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Clonmel golf club Tipperary

Clonmel golf course Tipperary

Clonmel Golf Course

Clonmel Club Crest

Aim your sights high-play one of Ireland’s most scenic 18-hole courses

Clonmel Golf Club, founded in 1911, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the province of Munster . A rolling parkland layout designed by the renowned course architect, Eddie Hackett, it is a mature 18-hole par 72 course measuring 6,365 yards. The ladies course measures 5,516 yards, par 74.

Set in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains with magnificent views across the valley of the River Suir and the rolling Waterford and Tipperary countryside towards Slievenamon, the scenery and the surrounding landscape will take your breath away!

Golfers will enjoy the many natural features of the course - the wooded nature of its surroundings, the fresh air of the elevated landscape, the views, the flora and the fauna that includes foxes, hares and fallow deer.

Unique features of the course include its undulating fairways, meandering streams, mature trees and testing greens all of which add to both the beauty and the challenge of the course.

The Signature Hole is the 14th (stroke index 3), a wonderful 185-yards par 3 played from an elevated tee down to a generous but challenging green. With out-of-bounds to the right, with a stream and a bunker to the front and sometimes with a swirling wind to contend with, the hole calls for an accurate tee shot and putting skill if a par or better is to be achieved.

Clonmel Golf Club is conveniently located 2hrs 30mins driving time from Dublin , 1hr 30mins from Cork and Limerick and 45mins from Waterford and Kilkenny. International access points are at Rosslare Ferryport (2hrs), Shannon Airport (2hrs), Cork Airport (2hrs) and Waterford Regional Airport (1hr).

The old and historic town of Clonmel is an ideal base from which to explore the unrivalled sights, scenery and amenities of South Tipperary and West Waterford, including the Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle , the Swiss Cottage, Mount Mellary Abbey and the Nire Valley.

Green Fees Monday & Friday Winter: €10
Green Fees Tuesday to Thursday Winter: €15
Green Fees Midweek: €25
Green Fees Weekends & B.H.: €30
Green Fees with a Member: €15/20
Green Fees for Opens: €15/20
Practice Area: Yes
Club Hire: Yes
Buggy Hire: Yes
Soft Spikes: No
Membership Available: Yes
Full Membership Fee: €898
Full Husband & Wife Membership Fee: €1,606
Full Senior Membership Fee: €770
Full New Membership Fee Year 1: €400
Full New Membership Fee Year 2: €500
Full Retired 75+ Membership Fee: €420
Full Distance Membership Fee: €150
Full Student Membership Fee: €180
Full Junior Membership Fee: €100
Entrance Fee: None
Course Type Parkland
No Holes 18
Members 658
Designer Eddie Hackett
Founded 1911
Address

Lyreanearla,
Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary

Telephone +353 (0)52-6124050
Email info@clonmelgolfclub.com
Website Clonmel golf club website
Secretary/Manager: Aíne Myles-Keating
Captain: Fergal Condon
Lady Captain: Eta Barry-Walsh
President: Elizabeth Joy
Junior Captain: Matthew Buckley
Vice-Captains':  &
Hon. Secretary:

Frank O'Keeffe, Andrew Gartlan & Elaine Winston

Club Pro: Dylan Burke 052-24050
Hon. Treasurer: Patsy O’Keeffe, John Bourke & Sheila O'Keeffe
Comp. Secretary: Toddy O'Brien & Betty Lonergan
Clonmel Golf Course Layout Course Layout

Location Map

GPS Coord*
Lat:52.339909
Long:-7.658857
*Please check information before travelling

General Facts & Information

Course opening hours: Daylight hours Clubhouse opening hours: 11.00am to 8.00pm (Summer)
Mobile phones: Not on course Dress Code: Neat and casual, no denim
Catering: Bar Food facilities Days to Avoid: None
Green Fees are Welcome: Other days Pre-booking for open Tournaments: See Website

Clonmel Golf Club Fixtures 2024 provisional*

Open & Major Fixtures 2024 (to be Confirmed)        
Event* Start Finish Type Duration
Captains' Drive-In Monday 1 January
  Closed 1
Vice-Captain's Prize Saturday 1 June
  Closed 1
Lady Captain's Prize Sunday 8 June
  Closed 1
Captain's Prize (Q) Saturday 3 August

Closed 1
President's Prize to the Ladies Saturday 10 August   Closed 1
President's Prize to the Ladies Wednesday 7 August   Closed 1
President's Prize Saturday 17 August   Closed 1
Lady Vice-Captain's Prize Saturday 7 September
  Closed 2
Professional's Prize Saturday 5 October
Sunday 6 October Closed 2
Professional's Prize Sunday 6 October
  Closed 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 1 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 5 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 8 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 12 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 17 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 19 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 22 March   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 24 March
Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 29 March
Friday 5 April
Open 8
Bulmers Singles Stableford Saturday 30 March
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 31 March
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 1 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 2 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 3 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 4 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 5 April   Open 1
Fourball Betterball Saturday 6 April Sunday 7 April Open 2
Fourball Betterball Sunday 7 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 16 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 21 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 23 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 28 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 30 April   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 5 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 6 May Friday 10 May Open 12
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 7 May
  Open 1
Ladies Singles Stableford Wednesday 8 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursdat 9 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 10 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Saturday 11 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 12 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 13 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 14 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 15 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 16 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 17 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 19 May Friday 24 May Open 6
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 20 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 21 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 22 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 23 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 24 May   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 24 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 27 May Friday 31 May
Open 5
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 28 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 29 May   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 30 May
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 31 May
  Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 31 May
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 4 June
Open 1
Ladies Singles Stableford Wednesday 5 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 6 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 7 June   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 7 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 10 June Thursday 13 June Open 4
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 11 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 12 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 13 June   Open 1
Club Classic Friday 14 June Saturday 15 June Open 2
Club Classic Saturday 15 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Sunday 16 June   Open 5
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 17 June Thursday 20 June
Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 18 June
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 19 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 20 June   Open 1
U-18 Scratch Cup
Friday 21 June

Open 1
Senior Scratch Cup Saturday 22 June Sunday 23 June Open 2
Senior Scratch Cup Sunday 23 June   Open 1
Junior Scratch Cup Saturday 22 June Sunday 23 June Open 2
Junior Scratch Cup Sunday 23 June   Open 1
Inter. Scratch Cup Saturday 22 June Sunday 23 June Open 2
Inter. Scratch Cup Sunday 23 June   Open 1
Minor Scratch Cup Saturday 22 June Sunday 23 June Open 2
Minor Scratch Cup Sunday 23 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Monday 24 June Thursday 27 June Open 4
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 25 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Wednesday 26 June   Open 1
Ladies 3-Person Champagne Scramble Wednesday 26 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 27 June   Open 1
Ardfinnan Golf Classic Friday 28 June   Open 1
 9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 28 June   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 2 July   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 5 July   Open 1
Ladies Singles Stableford
Friday 5 July   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 9 July   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 12 July   Open 1
Fourball Betterball
Saturday 13 July Sunday 14 July
Open 2
Fourball Betterball Sunday 14 July   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 16 July   Open 1
Ladies Singles Stableford Wednesday 17 July   Oprn 1
Singles Stableford Friday 19 July   Open 1
 9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 19 July   Open 1
Singles Stableford Tuesday 23 July
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 26 July   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 26 July   Open 1
3-Person Rumble Monday 29 July
  Open 1
Singles Stableford Tuesday 30 July
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 2 August
  Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 2 August   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 6 August   Open 1
Ladies 3-Person Texas Scramble
Wednesday 7 Aogust   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 9 August   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 9 August   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 13 August   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 16 August   Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 16 August   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 20 August
  Open 1
Hospic Classic Friday 23 August
  Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 23 August   Open 1
Singles Stableford Saturday 24 August
Sunday 25 August
Open 2
Singles Stableford Sunday 25 August
  Open 1
Singles Stableford Tuesday 27 August
  Open 1
Ladies Singles Stableford Wednesday 28 August   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 30 August
  Open 1
9-Hole Mixed from 5pm Friday 30 August
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 3 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 6 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 10 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 13 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Tuesday 17 September
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 20 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 24 September
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 27 September   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 1 October   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 6 October
  Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Thursday 8 October   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Friday 11 October   Open 1
Bulmers Singles Stableford Finals
Saturday 12 October   Open 1

*Please check information before travelling

Card of the Course

KeyData
White Par 71 SSS 71 6,366 yd's
Red Par 74 SSS 73 5,513 yd's
Green Par 71 SSS 70 6,054 yd's

Card

Hole No. White Green Par Index Red Par Index
1 374 363 4 10 317 4 11
2 420 384 4 4 410
5 7
3 145 131 3 18 118 3 17
4 511 478 5 12 399 5 9
5 423 396 4 2 361 4 3
6 404 383 4 6 402 5 15
7 312 300 4 16 295 4 5
8 208 195 3 8 161 3 13
9 444 431 5 14 406 5 1
Out 3,239 3,061 36   2,869 38  
10 172 162 3 7 150 3 8
11 383 371 4 13 364 4 2
12 486 468 5 17 384 5 16
13 417 405 4 1 400 5 10
14 185 178 3 3 149 3 6
15 405 377 4 9 260 4 18
16 418 406 4 11 383 4 4
17 171 161 3 5 138 3 14
18 490 465 5 15 416 5 12
In 3,127 2,993 35   2,644 36  
Total 6,366 6,054 71   5,513 74  
SSS 71 70     73    

Notable rounds

Men's Course Record: Am. 63 M. O'Neill

Ladies Course Record: 71 Helen O'Donoghue

Members Achievements

Clonmel Golf Club won the Quarter Finals of the Jimmy Bruen Shield on Sunday 3rd September 2023 at Blarney Golf Club when they beat Bray Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match.
In the top match John O’Brien with Mathew Buckley won their match by 4 and 3 against Ultan Moran with Robbie Murphy, they were followed by Adrian Johnson with Joe Hawkins who recorded a very confortable 7 and 6 win against Andrew Carrigan with Ben Kelly, the next match of Brian Gleeson with Joe Franklin was halved against Alan Grogan with Leon Gallagher, in the penultimate match Mick and Kevin O’Connor had a 4 and 2 win against Collin Murray with Liam McDermott and the bottom match of Jody Cunningham with John Perry against John Smyth with Robert Loyal was recorded as a halve when called-in.      
Clonmel Golf Club won the Final of the East Munster Jimmy Bruen Shield on Sunday 6th August 2023 when they beat Tramore Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matchs at Cobh Golf Club.

Clonmel Golf Club qualifies by winning the Munster Regional Final of the Irish Junior Cup to reach the Quarter Finals at Limerick Golf Club on Saturday 18th September 2021 when they played Ballinasloe Golf Club when they lost out by 4 -matches to 1-match.
First on the tee Liam Phelan who lost his match to Tom Cafferky by 3 and 2, he was followed by Charlie Mooney who lost out by 2 and 1 to Sean Hawkins, next up Aidan Grenham who lost his match against Emmy Pyke by 3 and 2, the bottom two matches of Fergus Finneran against Kian O’Reilly and Jamie Corbett against Billy Hewitt were both halved.

Clonmel Golf Club won the Munster Final of the Irish Junior Cup when they beat Ballybunion Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches at Thurles Golf Club on Saturday 18th August 2018.
They were led out by Billy Hewitt who lost his match against Edmund Healy by 2 and 1, he was followed by Brian McLean beat Ronan Cross by 1-hole, next on the tee was Darragh Lynch who went up the 19th before recording the point against James O'Callaghan, in the penultimate match Jack Alton beat Brian Slattery 1-hole and in the bottom match Denis Conway lost out to Frank Geary Jnr. by 3 and 2.

They returned to Thurles to participate in the All-Ireland Deciders where they were drawn against Ulster Champions Fortwilliam Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
They were led out again by Billy Hewitt who had a comfortable 5 and 4 win over Martin Colohan, he was followed by Brian McLean who lost his match by 2 and 1 against Conor Bradley, next on the tee was Darragh Lynch who beat Declan Hughes by 3 and 2, in the penultimate match Jack Alton lost his match against Gary Currie by 2 and 1, the bottom match of Dennis Conway against Eamonn O’Kane went down to the wire before the Antrim Club clinched the point by 1-hole and their place in the Final the following day where they met Connaught Champions Portumna Golf Club who won the green pennant.

Clonmel Golf Club won the Heineken Midlands Mixed Foursomes in 2006, when the team was, Shauna O'Brien, Billy Hewitt, Sean Moylan, Con Sheehan, Jimmy Ryan, Denis Conway Jnr. Pat Johnson, Brendan Keating, Ann Fahey, Helen O'Donoghue, Mary Wall, Margaret Renehan, Gemma Murphy and Mary Bolger, they were managed by John Bolger.

Clonmel Golf Club won the Munster Final of the Irish Junior Cup and were drawn against Connacht Champions Galway Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final at Rosslare Golf Club on 14th September 2005.

First on the tee was Barry McMenamin against Jonathan Hehir who lost his match by 4 and 3. He was followed by Pat Johnson who lost his match by 3 and 1 to Gerry Scott. Next up was Billy Hewitt against Joe Costello, this match went all the way to the 19th and proved to be the deciding point that stood between Clonmel getting through to the All-Ireland Final as Billy McEvoy beat Michael Hennelly by 3 and 1. The bottom match say Brian McLean record a convincing 4 and 3 win over Eddie Mulholland.

Clonmel Golf Club were Munster Champions and All-Ireland Finalists in the Irish Junior Cup in 2003, when the team was Billy McEvoy, Brian McClean, Niall O'Reilly, Gavin Smyth, Martin Keane, Tom Dunphy, Pat Johnson, Bill Hewitt, Bill Anderson and Jamie O'Flaherty.

Clonmel Golf Club were Runners-Up in the Munster Final of the Jimmy Bruen Shield when they lost out to Harbour Point at Douglas Golf Club in 2002. The team was Don Keating, Adrian Johnson, John Morrison, Richie Whelan, Billy Anderson, Jim Ryan, Garret Condon, Martin Kane, Donal Dennehy, Ted Johnson, Liam Whyte, Billy McEvoy, Michael Connellan, Emmet Leahy, Pat Johnson, John Molloy and Maurice Fehilly.

Prior to 2001:

Clonmel Golf Club won the All-Ireland Jimmy Bruen Shield at Cork G. C. in 1988. The squad was Maurice Patterson, Donagh Dougan, Michael Fahy, Sean Moriarty, Brendan Keating, Sean Murphy, Frank Smyth, Adrian Fox, Paddy Wall and Sean Moylan and they were managed by Michael Doyle.

They previously All-Ireland Jimmy Bruen Shield at Kilkenny G. C. in 1985. The squad was Maurice Patterson, Peter Dougan, Pat O'Dwyer, Michael Fahy, Paddy McCarthy, Eoin Morrissey, Sean Moriarty, Patsy O'Connor and John McMenamin and they were managed by Michael Doyle.

They won the All-Ireland Irish Junior Cup in 1978, at Galway Golf Club, when the team was Maurice Patterson, Sean Moylan, Paddy Wall, Brian McMahon and Maurice Slater.

Clonmel won the Munster Final of the Irish Junior Cup in 1976

The Ladies of Clonmel Golf Club won the All-Ireland Ulster Bank Fourball in 1997 and were winners of the Munster Cup the same year when the squad was Geraldine O'Gorman, Peggy O'Neill and Mary O'Callaghan.

They won ILGU Southern District Junior Cup in 1993 when the squad was Evelyn Quigley, Mary Smyth and Margaret Flanagan having won it the previous year with Sally Quirke, Eilish Smith and Marion Kent-Hatton.

They won the ILGU Minor League in 1992 when the squad was Geraldine O'Connor, Joan Gough, Mary Kirwan, Mary Power, Sally Quirke, Helen O'Donoghue and Lena O'Gorman.

In 1993 they won the Tipperary B League Winners when the squad was Pauline Dee, Liz Binchy, Sally Somers, Joan Dougan, Fionnula Hatton, Peggy O'Neill, Mary O'Callaghan and Margaret Flanagan.

Brid Ryan won the Munster Girls' Trophy in 1994.

Clonmel Ladies Senior Team defeated the Douglas Golf Club, who were reigning Champions in the Semi-Final of the Munster Senior Cup on their home course in 1988, when the team was Mary O'Callaghan, Liz Carroll, Helen O'Donoghue, Joan Binchy, Biddy Magnier, Anne Moloney, they were captained by Nuala Wall. 

Lady Captain in the Millennium Joan Gough and her Captain's prize-winner Aine Wall, booked their place in the National Finals of the Volkswagen-Irish Independent Lady Captains' Classic, when they shot 38pts. in the Regional Qualifying round at Limerick Golf Club on August 2000. They went on to compete in the National Finals at Druid's Glen on the 2nd October.

Members who played representative golf for their Province;

G. Smyth represented Munster at Youths’ Interprovincial level in 2006 to 2007 playing 10-times won 0-matches and lost 10-matches accumulating 0-points;

History of Clonmel

Instituted 1911 affiliated 1912

Clonmel Golf Club owes its existence to Mr. Hackett the County Surveyor in 1912. There were 200 members, which was huge for a new club in its first year. The Irish Golfers Guide 1914 gives the Earl of Donoughmore as the first President and goes on to state "The scenery is very fine, the course, situated on high mountain land excellent and the air most exhilarating" There is a record in the Irish Field 7th January 1922 which states "For the 3rd time in twelve months some person or persons has cut up the greens" The same paper on 4th March carried an article on the effects of the recently signed treaty on the club, it reads "The departure of British troops brings in its trail hardship to many, Murphy, the Clonmel professional, will be out of a job soon as the club cannot afford to keep a professional owing to the loss of military members. Murphy used to be at Stillorgan Park and it is hoped some club may be able to give him employment"

The club went eighteen-hole in 1973.

What the Club tells us:

Origins of Nine Hole Course

Clonmel Golf Club was founded in 1911 and the nine-hole course was laid out in the verdant valley, cutting its way into the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains. Founder members were the Earl of Donoughmore, the Duchess of St. Albans and Villiers Morton-Jackson of Powerstown Park. Its first professional and groundsman was a man named Marsh, who lived in the original Pavilion that was built in 1912. The clubs first President was the Duchess of St. Albans, and the following account of the official opening, which took place on Thursday, 11th July 1912, was recorded in " The Nationalist " newspaper issue dated Saturday, 13th July 1912:

 ClubHouse

"On Thursday afternoon the links of the newly-formed Clonmel Golf Club was opened by Her Grace, the Duchess of St. Albans. The Club was only established early this year, but under progressive management it has made rapid headway, and now includes nearly two hundred members. The links, which are charmingly situated at the head of Glenmorgan in the hills south of Clonmel, and about two and a half miles from town, have been much used by members for months past, but now the grounds are pretty fully equipped and in grand trim and a neat little Pavilion has been erected also, where tea and light refreshments are obtainable. A splendid commencement has been made and the club is bound to flourish, because golf in such delightful and healthy surroundings will have special attraction to votaries of the pastime.

The formal opening function was fixed for 3.30 p.m., and punctually to time, the Duchess of St. Albans, accompanied by her cousin, Mr. Phipps, arrived by motor from Newtown Anner. She was received by the Mayor, Councillor James Meehan; the Captain of the club, Mr. M.J. Murphy; Mr T. Murphy, vice-president; Mr T.W. Martin, secretary, and others, and escorted to a large marquee on the grounds.

Old ClubHouse

In opening the proceedings, the Mayor said: " On behalf of the Clonmel Golf Club, it is my pleasing duty and pleasure to bid Your Grace a hearty welcome amongst us. I thank you  for the honour you conferred on us by coming here today to open the links. It is but another evidence of the deep interest Your Grace takes in the citizens of Clonmel. Golf is an ancient game, but it is only in the last twenty years that it has been known in Ireland. Our people have always shown a great aptitude for games of all kinds, and I am glad to know that in golf, as in other games that require skill and prowess, we are able to hold our own (hear, hear !). Golf is a manly game and will succeed, I have no doubt. It tends to improve health, and is so fascinating a game that I am told that wherever a golf club is formed it was never known to fail. I hope that this club, which Your Grace has so kindly consented to open today, will be a big success and will be a source of pleasure and healthy enjoyment to its members. I have pleasure in introducing to Your Grace the youngest member, Master Martin, who will ask Your Grace to accept the gift he will offer you on behalf of the members as a slight souvenir of the day's proceedings"

Master Martin then handed Her Grace a handsome silver inkstand in the form of a golf-ball and clubs. The Duchess of St. Albans, who seemed much pleased, accepted the gift with thanks and proceeding, said: "Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, I feel I am a very unsuitable person to be asked to open these links today, as I don't play golf, though my daughters are devoted golfers, but I have never had a golf club in my hand. I am, nonetheless, pleased to show interest in the club. I am very fond of the country and anything that tends to bring people together in the open air especially, I am only too anxious to encourage. I hope to be a member of the club - an honorary member. Though I know you have been playing here for some time, so that the function here today is only a matter of form, I am delighted to be here and declare the new links open. I thank you also for the beautiful souvenir you have so kindly given me (applause).

Soon after, the company moved out to the first teeing ground, where the Duchess of St. Albans putt a ball and the Mayor putt another, thus formally opening the links. Mr. Tom Travers of Kingstown and Mr. E. Marsh, the Clonmel Golf Club professional, then played a game and gave a splendid and scientific exhibition of the fine old pastime. The proceedings were of the happiest and most successful kind and was only slightly marred by a sharp shower of rain just before the opening game.

The professional match played after the opening ceremonies of the Clonmel Golf Links between E.C. Marsh, the local professional, and Tom Travers of Kingstown Club, attracted much attention. The supporters of the local man were doomed to disappointment, as he was obviously nervous and although continually gaining an advantage in the long game, he was off-colour in the close work and was rather easily defeated, showing the truth of the old axiom " the game of golf is not to be the longest driver ". But a little luck, or rather a little less hard luck on the greens at the start would probably have made a big difference in the result, as ill-luck at the start has anything but a steadying effect on the nerves.

One shot in the game appears to deserve special comments - Travers shot out of the thick bracken at the ninth hole. He could scarcely see his ball but it went out gradually about ninety yards and lay open to the pin. He expressed his astonishment repeatedly at the excellence of the greens in their first year. Both players were loudly cheered at the finish of the match and although the large majority of the spectators cannot have been well up on the game, yet consideration shown during the match would have taught a lesson to most golfing crowds who have far greater knowledge of golf. It is saying much to be able to state that neither player was once hindered or baulked in any stroke by a spectator."

 New 18 Hole Course

It is fair to say that it is the ambition of every 9-hole golf club is to expand to an 18-hole one. In this connection the dreams and aspirations of the Clonmel Club were realised on June 15th, 1973, when Mr. Paddy McPolin, President of the Golfing Union of Ireland, formally opened our new 18-Hole course.

Clubhouse Gate

One of the principal obstacles to an earlier extension to 18 holes was the non-availability of suitable land adjoining the old course. It was not until 1969 that the vital six acres of link land adjoining the boundary fence at the old 8th hole became available and due to the initiative and drive of Dr. Jim Morrison the negotiations for the purchase of the land were successful. Further land was also purchased on the town side, adding 71 acres to the course. This land was subsequently surveyed by Mr. Eddie Hackett, the well know golf architect, and after several visits to Clonmel plans were drawn up for the new 18-hole course. These plans resulted in the remodelling of the old 4th, now the 13th, and the scrapping of the old 5th, 6th, and 8th, which were replaced by superior holes in the new 14th, 15th and 17th. Preliminary construction work commenced in April 1970. Gilbert Howley commenced construction work on holes 3, 8 and 9 in August 1970 and a considerable amount of drainage was involved.

 Much of this preliminary work, which consisted of filling in drains and stone-picking, was undertaken by groups of members working three nights a week through Spring and Summer. They were aided by Brother Harry Johnson and a group of boys from Ferryhouse. These young lads, who became popularly known as "Johnsons Fusiliers", trudged up the two miles from Ferryhouse night after night and did trojan work on the course, which was much appreciated by the club.

Early in May 1971, work commenced on the construction of the greens and tees. The seeding of the fairways and roughs was completed by late May and the seeding of all the greens was completed by September 1971. The entire project was most satisfactory.

The whole development was carried out under the supervision of Kevin Higgins and but for his dedication and hard work the members would not now be enjoying the benefits, golfing facilities and amenities offered by an 18-hole course.

 

Roll of Honour

Member Year Hon. Position
Miss B. Burke 1990 Ladies Captain
Mrs. M. Kelly 1990 Ladies President
L. Dunne 1990 Men's Captain
D. G. Binchy 1990 President
Mrs. M. Lynch 1991 Ladies Captain
Miss C. White 1991 Ladies President
P. Hegarty 1991 Men's Captain
Dr. J. Morrison 1991 President
Mrs. E. Moran 1992 Ladies Captain
Mrs. E. Moroney 1992 Ladies President
P. Dougan 1992 Men's Captain
R. F. Phelan 1992 President
Miss E. Smith 1993 Ladies Captain
Mrs. J. Dunne 1993 Ladies President
J. F. Condon 1993 Men's Captain
T. Bourke 1993 President
Mrs. M. Morrison 1994 Ladies Captain
Mrs. S. Boland 1994 Ladies President
T. O'Dwyer 1994 Men's Captain
J. Moloney 1994 President
Mrs. E. J. Quigley 1995 Ladies Captain
Mrs. M. Lynch 1995 Ladies President
M. O'Neill 1995 Men's Captain
T. S. Quigley 1995 President
Mrs. M. Kent-Hatton 1996 Ladies Captain
Miss E. Smith 1996 Ladies President
B. Nugent 1996 Men's Captain
M. O'Byrne 1996 President
Mrs. Sally Quirke 1997 Ladies Captain
Mrs. H. O'Donoghue 1997 Ladies President
B. Binchy 1997 Men's Captain
P. Brannigan 1997 President
Mrs. Mary Power 1998 Ladies Captain
Mrs. Maura Morrison 1998 Ladies President
S. Murphy 1998 Men's Captain
P. Hegarty 1998 President
Mrs. Peggy O'Neill 1999 Ladies Captain
Mrs. Brid Burke 1999 Ladies President
F. J. Binchy 1999 Men's Captain
J. F. Condon 1999 President
Joan Gough 2000 Ladies Captain
John Joy 2000 Men's Captain
T. J. O'Sullivan 2000 President
Ann Leavy 2001 Ladies Captain
Liam Maunsell 2001 Men's Captain
J. O'Dwyer 2001 President
Margaret Flanagan 2002 Ladies Captain
Ray Crawford 2002 Men's Captain
Brendan Binchy 2002 President
N. Sullivan 2003 Ladies Captain
L. White 2003 Men's Captain
Mrs. A. Moloney 2003 President
Marie Shee 2004 Ladies Captain
Michael Mullane 2004 Men's Captain
Denis Buckley 2004 President
Sally Gleason 2005 Ladies Captain
Tom Renehan 2005 Men's Captain
Billy Acheson 2005 President
Mary Costello 2006 Ladies Captain
Donagh Dougan 2006 Men's Captain
Maura Morrison 2006 President
Maura Cooney 2007 Ladies Captain
Garrett Condon 2007 Men's Captain
Patsy O'Keeffe 2007 President
Margaret Renehan 2008 Ladies Captain
Ted Johnson 2008 Men's Captain
Tom Byrne 2008 President
Ann Prendergast 2009 Ladies Captain
Sean Callaghan 2009 Men's Captain
Tom Renehan 2009 President
Anne Fahey 2010 Ladies Captain
Donal Ryan 2010 Men's Captain
Jimmy Cass 2010 President
Ollie Connellan 2011 Ladies Captain
Joe Flynn 2011 Men's Captain
Donagh Dougan 2011 President
Mary Wall 2012 Ladies Captain
Patsy O'Keeffe 2012 Men's Captain
Peter Hayes 2012 President
Gwen Walshe 2013 Ladies Captain
Jimmy Cass 2013 Men's Captain
Sean Callaghan 2013 President
Deirdre Daly 2014 Ladies Captain
Shay Bannon 2014 Men's Captain
Maire Shee 2014 President
Antoinette Dougan
2015 Ladies Captain
Denis O'Sullivan 2015 Men's Captain
Johnny Walshe
2015 President
Marian Hanrahan 2016 Ladies Captain
Peter Hayes 2016 Men's Captain
Alex Casey
2016 President
Liz Joy 2017 Ladies Captain
Billy Hewitt 2017 Men's Captain
Liam Maunsell 2017 President
Liz Binchey 2018 Ladies Captain
Tony Horan 2018 Men's Captain
Michael Mullane  2018 President
Deirdre Ronan 2019 Ladies Captain
Andrew Gartlan 2019 Men's Captain
Michael Mullane 2019 President
Maud Shee 2020 Ladies Captain
Pat Quinlan 2020 Men's Captain
Con Hogan 2020 President
Christine Hickey 2021 Ladies Captain
Billy Greene 2021 Men's Captain
Con Hogan 2021 President
Maura Lyons  2022 Ladies Captain
Ned Brophy 2022 Men's Captain
Shay Bannon 2022 President
Eleanor Devaney 2023 Ladies Captain
Donncha Doyle 2023 Men's Captain
Shay Bannon 2023 President
Eta Barry-Walsh 2024 Ladies Captain
Fergal Condon 2024 Men's Captain
Elizabeth Joy 2024 President
Matthew Buckley 2024 Junior Captain
Gemma McCarthy 2024 Lowest Ladies Handicap
Shauna O'Brien 2024 Lowest Ladies Handicap
Ronan Purcell 2024 Lowest Men's Handicap
Gavin Smyth (-1.0) 2024 Lowest Men's Handicap

Holes in One at Clonmel

Member Date Hole No. Club Used Distance
John Molloy 3 August 2003  17th   184 yd’s
Sally Gleeson 21 September 2005 3rd   118 yd’s
Des O’Neill 23 May 2007 9th   177 yd’s