CLUB HISTORY
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Kilkenny Golf Club was founded on the 2nd of April, 1886, at Daly's Hill, which is situated to the north west of the city. In 1902 the club moved to Richview, Castlecomer Road. Then in 1905 the course was changed to Garranacreen, Hebron Road, adjacent to the present Nowlan Park (G.A.A. ground). Garranacreen was a 9 hole Winter links and was flat terrain but interesting and very well bunkered. The game was played over stone walls and hedges and Miss Maher's residence was used as the club house. In 1908 Kilcreene was opened by the Marchioness of Ormond before a distinguished gathering. Kilcreene was a much bigger venture as the course had to be maintained Winter and Summer. It was splendidly bunkered and was laid out by Cecil Barcroft, who was a well known player of his period. Kilcreene was kept rather exclusive and applicants were unable to obtain membership. Times were now difficult but owing to the generous assistance of the then Guarantors, James Harte, Richard Duggan and Richard Smithwick the club managed to keep going. In 1923 the present club was opened by Right Rev. G. Day, Church of Ireland, Bishop of Ossary. The original clubhouse is now home of Mrs. O'Connor whose late husband W.S. was a former captain. Following that the clubhouse was moved to Newtown Manor which is situated near the present 11th tee. In 1962 the clubhouse was sited at its present location and in the intervening years has been refurbished and extended to the fine building it is today. The course itself is of championship standard and is set on 120 acres of parkland and measures 5,850 meters with a par of 71. It hosted the Carroll's Irish Matchplay Professional Championship in 1973 which was won by Christy O'Connor Jnr. In 1984 it was the venue for the All Ireland Mixed Foursomes final and the following year hosted the All Ireland Cups and Shields final. It is a popular venue for various regional play-offs and finals in the Leinster area. The course itself is mostly flat terrain with an abundance of trees. Notable features of the course are the four par threes, the long par four eleventh and the final four holes which has often ruined a fine card. A feature of the course at the 10th tee is the "Fluacht Fiadh", an ancient Irish kitchen. This type of kitchen dates back to the Bronze Age when these ancient cooking places were horse show shaped mounds made-up of small pieces of blackened stone and situated close to a water source or in a marshy or formerly marshy ground. Visitors will find the golf club, like the city. very friendly where people can relax in a convivial and enjoyable atmosphere. Bar, meals and snooker facilities are available to visitor and member alike.
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Kilkenny Golf Club - Glendine - Kilkenny - Ireland |
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