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Ballyliffin Golf Club
The original course was a nine hole lay-out which started at Pollan Beach, extended around the big bank, crossed over towards the town loaning, and skirting the fields, finished with a par three across the big drain. At first there was no Clubhouse and the land was held on a yearly lease from the local landlords. This land was originally a commonage held in common by Charles Doherty , Clougherna, Dan Doherty, Clougherna, Neal Doherty, Ballyliffin, Dinny Doherty, Ardagh, Con Doherty, Clougherna, John Doherty, Pollan Green and Willie Toland and Packie Grant, Ballymacmoriarty. Clubhouse facilities were provided in the early years by the Strand Hotel, Ballyliffin due to the good offices of Bernard Harkin. Owen Doherty , Clougherna looked after the greens and cut the fairways. The greens were wired in order to keep the sheep off them. Among the early officers of the Club were Sean O'Leary , Jim McCarroll, Neal P. Doherty, James McEleney, Dr. Friel, James McLaughlin, Jim McDonough. Joe Doherty (O), Denis Callaghan. When negotiations with the landlords for a new course proved unsuccessful, it was decided to endeavour to purchase a portion of land outside the original course towards the castles. Purchase of the land, approximately 365 acres, was agreed with the vendors in October 1968. These included Philip Doherty, Craigawaine, Packie Grant, Ballymacmoriarty, Eddie Grant, Charlie Coyle, Bernard Grant, Ardnascanlon, George Conaghan, Rashenny, Willie Toland, John Doherty, Pollan Green and Charlie Peter Shiela?? Work on development of the new course commenced in 1970 and an entrance road was made. A wooden chalet was purchased and moved on site where the present clubhouse now stands. By now, Conal Doogan was captain and Clement Sweeney was secretary, Joe Masterson was manager and steward of the new clubhouse was Jim Clafferty , a post he retained until the late eighties. Work on the greens and fairways started in March 1970. Turf for the greens was cut from along the south east boundary of the property and the greens were turfed by two local workers at the agreed rate of 2/6 per square yard - Charlie Coyle and John Doherty . Nine holes were playable in 1971 and 18 holes in 1973. Membership was around 50 people or so at this stage. It was in 1986 that it was suggested to build a new clubhouse as there was an increase in members, so with the help of a members' draw of £100 per ticket the money was raised to build one. In 1987 this new clubhouse was opened. Membership for all classes stands now at 710 members who are kept busy all year round. We are getting great publicity from books like "Following the Fairways" which was published this year and was wIitten by top golf writer, Nick Edmunds. At present we are fully booked at weekends for societies for this year, but look forward to outings in the years to come. The course at Ballyliffin: |
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