--------------------------

Connemara golf club Galway

Connemara golf course Galway

Connemara Golf Course

Connemara Club Crest

Connemara Golf Club is celebrating our 50th anniversary in 2023.

Voted Best Links Course in Connaught 2023 – Golfers Guide to Ireland
The Eddie Hackett designed Connemara Golf Links is situated between the Twelve Bens Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

There are only 150 links golf courses in the world, and Connemara is acknowledged to be one of the finest examples. This links is located in one of the most splendid settings in the world.

Golfers who discover Connemara invariably return to its charm and challenge again and again. If you like seafood don’t pass up the opportunity of eating in the restaurant.

If there was a course like this on the west coast of England it would surely host the British Open". Peter Alliss, Ryder Cup player, renowned golf writer and BBC golf commentator.

Classic links land was in evidence at the fourth, where one could hear the sea breeze whistling through the reeds surrounding a lake to the left. And we went on to retrace Hackett’s steps along the fifth and sixth, to the sound of a lone lark singing it’s little heart out overhead". Dermot Gilleece, when Irish Times Golf Editor.

Connemara comprises of 27 of the best links you will find anywhere and has a fine tradition of producing top amateur golfers. The visitor is assured of the warmest of welcomes and a memorable round of golf at Ballyconneely.

Tom Watson visited Connemara Golf Club in the millennium, the year he was captain of Ballybunion where he recorded a score of 69 around this tough golf course.

Connemara was voted the No. 29-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2023 (Same);

Connemara was voted the No. 29-ranked golf course in Ireland, by “Irish Golfer” in 2022;

Connemara was voted the No. 37-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2020 (Up-3)

Connemara was voted the No. 40-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2019 (Down-3)

Connemara was voted the No. 37-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2018 (Same)

Connemara was voted the No. 37-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2017 (Up-3)

Connemara was voted the No. 40-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2016 (Down-2)

Connemara was voted the No. 38-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2015 (Up-4)

Connemara was voted the No. 42-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2014 (Up-2);

Connemara was voted the No. 44-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2013 (Up-4);

Connemara was voted the No. 48-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2012;

Connemara was voted the No. 19-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2012, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Connemara was voted the No. 56-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2010;

Connemara was voted the  No. 19-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2010, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Connemara was voted the No. 58-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2009;

Connemara was voted the No. 19-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2009, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Connemara was voted the No. 58-ranked golf course in Ireland, by "Golf Digest Ireland" in 2008;

Connemara was voted the  No. 18-Links/Shoreline Course in Ireland by "Backspin" Irelands leading Golf magazine in 2008, the panel comprised of a selection of 52 Professional and amateur golfers throughout Ireland;

Green Fees G.I.M. November to March: €50
Green Fees November to March Rack Rate: €130
Green Fees G.I.M. April to October. €70
Green Fees April to October Rack Rate.
€180
Green Fees with a Member: €50
Green Fees for Opens: €40/50
Practice Area: Yes
Club Hire: €50
Yes
Buggy Hire: €40 Yes
Soft Spikes: Yes
Full Membership Available: Yes
Full Membership Fee: €897
Full Overseas Membership Fee: €600
Full 5-Day Membership Fee: €550
Full Student Membership Fee: €350
Full Junior 1U-8 Membership Fee: €230
Entrance Fee: None
Course Type Links
No Holes 27
Designer Eddie Hackett & Tom Craddock
Founded 1973
Address

Ballyconneely,
Clifden,
Co. Galway

Telephone +353 (0)95-23502
Email proshop@connemaragolflinks.net
Website Connemara golf club website
General Manager: Siobhan Roche
Golf Shop Manager Dominic Lynch
Captain: John G. Sweeney
Lady Captain: Breda Coneys
President: Maura O'Connor
Vice-Captain:
Hon. Secretary: Kevin GavinVeronica Sanderson
Club Pro: Hugh O'Neill 086-8037655
Hon. Treasurer: Dave Beecher & Maureen Batley
Comp. Secretary: Jimmy Hayden
Connemara Golf Course Layout Course Layout

Location Map

GPS Coord*
Lat:53.422935
Long:-10.142827
*Please check information before travelling

General Facts & Information

Course opening hours: Daylight hours Clubhouse opening hours: 8.00am to 11.00pm
Mobile phones: Not on course
Dress Code: Neat and casual, no denim
Catering: Full catering, facilities Days to Avoid: 24th & 25th September
Green Fees and Societies Welcome: Midweek & Weekends Pre-booking for open Tournaments:14 Days in advance

Connemara Golf Club Fixtures 2024 provisional*

Open & Major Fixtures 2024 (to be Confirmed)        
Event Start Finish Type Duration
Captains' Drive-In Sunday 8 April
  Closed 1
President's Prize Sunday 26 May
  Closed 1
Lady Captain's Prize Sunday 30 June
  Closed 1
Captain's Prize Sunday 28 July   Closed 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 5 January   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 12 January   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 19 January   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 26 January   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 2 February
  Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 9 February   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 16 February   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 23 February   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Saturday 16 March   Open 1
L. & G. 4-Ball Betterball any combination Sunday 17 March Sunday 18 March
Open 3
L. & G. 4-Ball Betterball any combination Monrday 18 March   Open 1
Connemara Rugby Club Classic Friday 31 May
  Open 1
Play-in-Pink Team Charity Event Saturday 1 June Monday 3 June Open 3
Play-in-Pink Team Charity Event Sunday 2 June   Open 1
Play-in-Pink Team Charity Event Monday 3 June   Open 1
Start of Open Week
Wednesday 19 June Sunday 23 June
Open 5
L. & G. Singles Stableford Wednesday 19 June   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Thursday 20 June   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 21 June   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Saturday 22 June   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Sunday 23 June   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Saturday 3 August Sunday 5 August Open 3
L. & G. Singles Stableford Saturday 4 August   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Sunday 5 August   Open 1
Parent & Child
Sunday 10 August

Open 1
Connemara Pro-Am Saturday 24 August Sunday 27 August IPGA 2
Connemara Pro-Am Sunday 25 August   IPGA 1
Start of Open Week Wednesday 4 September Sunday 8 September Open 5
L. & G. Singles Stableford Wednesday 4 September   Open 1
L. & G. 4-Ball Betterball any combination Thursday 5 September   Open 1
L. & G. 4-Person Mixed Scramble Friday 6 September   Open 1
9 Hole Mixed Scotch Foursomes p.m. Friday 6 September   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Saturday 7 September   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Sunday 8 September   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 1 November   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 8 November   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 15 November   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 22 November   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 29 November
  Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 6 December   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 13 December   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 20 December   Open 1
L. & G. Singles Stableford Friday 27 December   Open 1

*Please check information before travelling

Card of the Course

KeyData
White Par 72 SSS 73 6,739 yd's
Yellow Par 71 SSS 71 6,333 yd's
Red Par 72 SSS 72 5,460 yd's
Blue Par 72 SSS 75 7,055 yd's

Card

Hole No.

Blue White Winter Par Index Red Par Index
1 381 369 357 4 10
299 4 6
2 413 401 380 4 8 304 4 4
3 164 158 148 3 18 128 3 18
4 382 355 342 4 12 297 4 10
5 381 361 339 4 4
297 4 8
6 203 187 173 3 14 145 3 16
7 572 523 489
5 16 441 5 14
8 465 449 404 4 2 357 4 2
9 436 374 366 4 6
308 4 12
Out 3,397 3,177 2,998
35   2,646 35  
10 427 418 407 4 7
337 4 9
11 193 174 157 3 17 124 3 17
12 445 429 381
4 1
337 4 7
13 212 200 176 3 9
121 3 15
14 513 498 455 5 15 388 5 11
15 412 389
376 4 3
319 4 3
16 431 394 361 4 5
354 4 1
17 499 475 447 5 11 381 5 13
18 526 510 477 5 13
453 5 5
In 3,658 3,489 3,237 37   2,814 37  
Total 7,055 6,666 6,235 72   5,460 72  
SSS 75 73 71     72    

Notable rounds

Men's Course Record: Am. 64 Damian Coyne (Tuam G. C.) (2) 8/07/2013

Pro 64 Leslie Walker 22/09/2003

Ladies Course Record

Members Achievements

Young Conor Stapleton was selected on the Connaught Under-18 Interprovincial Team played at Ballykisteen Golf Club on 21st and 22nd August 2023.
The other members of the team were Aodhagan Brady & Luke Harrison (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Darragh McGrath (Athlone Golf Club), Charlie Mooney (Ballinasloe Golf Club), Aaron Quigley (Castlebar Golf Club) and Cathal Penney (Athenry Golf Club).
They were Captained by Captain - John Waters (Oughterard Golf Club) and Managed by Manager - Shane Quigley (Castlebar Golf Club).

Luke O'Neill was, selected on the 2023 Golf Ireland Men’s High Performance Squad.

David Mortimor won the IPGA Championship in 2010.

Kenneth Fahey was selected on the Connacht team for the Interprovincial Matches played at Portmarnock Golf Club from 11th to 13th August 2004.

Connemara Golf Club won the Connaught final of the Barton Shield and were drawn against Ulster Champions Banbridge in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals at Lisburn Golf Club on 11th September 2003. The team on the day was Derek McNamara with Ger O'Donnell and David Scully with David Stapleton. Banbridge went on to win the All-Ireland pennant by beating Stackstown by one-hole in a gripping final.

Connemara won the Connaught final of the Barton Shield when they beat Athenry. They went on to meet Shandon Park in the All-Ireland semi-finals at Lahinch on 21st September 2000. The squad was Derek McNamara, Kenneth Fahey, David Mortimer, Ger O'Donnell, Dave Scully, David Collins and David Stapleton. They went down by only one hole to a very b Shandon Park in the Semi-Finals. The team was D. McNamara with K. Fahey and D. Mortimer with G. O'Donnell.

Connemara Golf Club won the Connaught Irish Senior Cup in 1998 when the team was, David Mortimer, Derek McNamara, Kenny Fahey, Michael Galvin, David Collins, Ciaran Smyth, Ger O’Donnell, John McLaughlin and Nigel Howley.

Derek McNamara was runner-up in the West of Ireland Championship at Co. Sligo on the 2nd April 2002 and was selected on the Irish team that played Wales at Ashburnham on the 27th April 2001. Derek McNamara won the Irish Boys' Amateur Close Championship, by five shots at Strandhill on 25th August 2000. He finished with a fine score of 268 shooting a course record 61 in the process. Derek was selected on the Irish team for the World Junior Championship in Hyogo, Japan, in June, 1999 and played in the European Amateur Team Championship at Uppsala, Sweden, in July, 1999, and represented Ireland in the Boys' Home Internationals at Conwy G. C., Wales, in August, 1999.

Tara de Courcey was selected on the Connaught Ladies team for the AIB Interprovincial Championships at Mount Wolseley Golf Club from August 7-9 2002.

Kenny Fahy was selected on the Irish Boys team for the Home Internationals at Moortown, Leeds in August 2001. Kenneth Fahey and Derek McNamara were selected on the Boys' Home International at Portmarnock G. C. on August 9th to 11th 2000. Kenneth Fahey played Connaught Boys in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

Prior to 2001:

They won the Connaught Shield in 1981.

Connemara won the Connaught Senior Cup in 1998, beating Co. Sligo in the final at Athlone G. C.

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

Derek McNamara represented Ireland at international Youths level from 2001 to 2002 playing 9-matches, won 6-matches halved tree and lost 0-matches accumulating 15-points. He represented Ireland at Irish Boys level from 1999 to 2000 playing 20-times won 8-matches halved two and lost 8-matches accumulating 18-points. He represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 2001 to 2003 playing 15-times won 8-matches and lost 7-matches accumulating 16-points. He represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial from 1998 to 1999  playing 11-times won 3-matches halved three and lost 5-matches accumulating 9-points;

Hugh O’Neill represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1988 playing 4-matches, won 1-match halved one and lost 2-matches accumulating 3-points. He represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1987 to 1993 playing 28-times won 6-matches halved one and lost 22-matches accumulating 13-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 1987 to 1989  playing 15-times won 9-matches and lost 6-matches accumulating 18-points;

Kenny Fahey represented Ireland at Irish Boys level from 2000 to 2001 playing 17-times won 4-matches halved three and lost 10-matches accumulating 11-points. He represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from in 2004 playing 3-times won 0-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 0-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 199 to 2000  playing 11-times won 2-matches halved four and lost 5-matches accumulating 8-points. He represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial from 1998 to 2000  playing 13-times won 8-matches halved one and lost 4-matches accumulating 17-points;

David Mortimor represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1994 to 2002 playing 52-times won 21-matches halved six and lost 25-matches accumulating 48-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 1994 to 1996  playing 15-times won 4-matches halved three and lost 8-matches accumulating 11-points;

Paddy O’Looney represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1974 to 1986 playing 51-times won 14-matches halved one and lost 36-matches accumulating 29-points;

History of Connemara

Connemara Championship Golf Links was opened on 7th June 1973. The first professional Tournament held by the club was the Carroll’s Irish Matchplay Championship in 1980, which was a great success.

The annual Connemara Pro/Am held in September is now a well-established fixture on the Irish PGA calendar. The Championship Links Par of 72 were designed, by the late Eddie Hackett.

The recently, developed New Nine holes were also designed by Eddie Hackett and his successor Tom Craddock. The integration of the third nine into the original course is an example of the foresight that a well-established club like Connemara has!

The reputation that Connemara Championship Links has built over its 30-year existence can be attributed to the members who support it and the staff that maintain and administer it.

Roll of Honour

Member Year Hon. Position
Una Walsh 1989 Ladies Captain
Tom Connolly 1989 Men's Captain
Dr. Michael Casey 1989 President
Kathleen Griffin 1990 Ladies Captain
Jack Cosgrave 1990 Men's Captain
Dr. Michael Casey 1990 President
Mary Joyce 1991 Ladies Captain
Pat O'Rourke 1991 Men's Captain
Dr. Michael Casey 1991 President
S. Stanley 1992 Ladies Captain
John O'Brien 1992 Men's Captain
Sean Kelly 1992 President
Catherine Pryce 1993 Ladies Captain
Billy Foyle 1993 Men's Captain
Sean Kelly 1993 President
B. Ward 1994 Ladies Captain
Sean Birmingham 1994 Men's Captain
Tom Walsh 1994 President
Frances Killilea 1995 Ladies Captain
David Griffin 1995 Men's Captain
Michael J. Ruddy 1995 President
D. Murphy 1996 Ladies Captain
John Byrne 1996 Men's Captain
John O'Neill 1996 President
Agnes Stokes 1997 Ladies Captain
Michael J. Ruddy 1997 Men's Captain
John O'Neill 1997 President
S. King 1998 Ladies Captain
Francis Mannion 1998 Men's Captain
Hubert Delappe 1998 President
S. King 1999 Ladies Captain
D. Beecher 1999 Men's Captain
D. Murphy 1999 President
Carmel Gaughan 2000 Ladies Captain
Matt O'Sullivan 2000 Men's Captain
Paddy Flaherty 2000 President
Josephine O'Neill 2001 Ladies Captain
John Kelly 2001 Men's Captain
Paddy Flaherty 2001 President
Frances Killilea 2002 Ladies Captain
Lorcan Geoghegan 2002 Men's Captain
Una Walsh 2002 President
Lynne Mather 2003 Ladies Captain
Lorcan Geoghegan 2003 Men's Captain
Francis Mannion 2003 President
Kathleen Wallace 2004 Ladies Captain
Paddy Aspell 2004 Men's Captain
Francis Mannion 2004 President
Julie Donnellan 2005 Ladies Captain
John King 2005 Men's Captain
Francis Mannion 2005 President
Bridie Conneely 2006 Ladies Captain
Peter Higgins 2006 Men's Captain
Mary Joyce 2006 President
Tricia Willder 2007 Ladies Captain
Paddy Flaherty 2007 Men's Captain
Eddie P. Foyle 2007 President
Bernie Ward 2008 Ladies Captain
Peter Veldon 2008 Men's Captain
Eddie P. Foyle 2008 President
Catherine Pryce 2009 Ladies Captain
Tom Vaughan 2009 Men's Captain
Eddie P. Foyle 2009 President
Marie Bourke 2010 Ladies Captain
John Casey 2010 Men's Captain
Eddie P. Foyle 2010 President
Carmel Gaughan 2011 Ladies Captain
Aidan O'Halloran 2011 Men's Captain
Agnes Stokes 2011 President
Evelyn King 2012 Ladies Captain
Francis Joyce 2012 Men's Captain
Paddy Gannon 2012 President
Josephine O'Neill 2013 Ladies Captain
Declan Mannion 2013 Men's Captain
Paddy Gannon
2013 President
Kathleen Wallace 2014 Ladies Captain
Declan Nannion 2014 Men's Captain
Catherain Pryce 2014 President
Colette McGrath 2015 Ladies Captain
Brian Hughes 2015 Men's Captain
Michael Moran
2015 President
Maura O'Connor 2016 Ladies Captain
Pat Casey 2016 Men's Captain
Michael Moran 2016 President
Brenda Casey 2017 Ladies Captain
Eugene Casey 2017 Men's Captain
Evangeline Roche
2017 President
Nessa Joyce 2018 Ladies Captain
Tim Hickey 2018 Men's Captain
  2018 President
Denise Tucker 2019 Ladies Captain
Cyril Joyce 2019 Men's Captain
Johnny Fitzpatrick
2019 President
Evelyn King
2020 Ladies Captain
Geoff Tucker
2020 Men's Captain
Maura O’Connor
2020 President
Evelyn King 2021 Ladies Captain
Geoff Tucker 2021 Men's Captain
Maura O’Connor 2021 President
Grainne O’Malley 2022 Ladies Captain
Chris Shanahan 2022 Men's Captain
Lorcan Geoghegan 2022 President
Debbie Ruddy
2023 Ladies Captain
Eugene Casey 2023 Men's Captain
Lorcan Geoghegan
2023 President
Breda Coneys 2024 Ladies Captain
John G. Sweeney 2024 Men's Captain
Maura O'Connor 2024 President
Tara DeCourcey (6.8) 2024
Lowest Ladies H'cap
Luke O'Neill (-3.0)
2024
Lowest Men's Handicap

Holes in One at Connemara

Member Date Hole No. Club Used Distance
Enda O'Flaherty 21 June 1978 3rd   140 yd‘s
Coil O'Finneadha 3 June 1996 9th   165 yd‘s
Sean O'Murchu 8 June 1997 6th   165 yd‘s
Coil O’Finneadha 19 October 1997 18th   185 yd‘s
Pat O'Connell 7 September 1998 11th   159 yd‘s
Mairtin MacIomaire 7 June 1999 12th   158 yd‘s
Fenella Murphy 3 August 2022 13th   121 yd's