It has been described as ‘The St Andrews of Ireland’ and many other complimentary titles. Those who know and love the place firmly believe that Lahinch Golf Club doesn’t need comparison with any of the game’s other world class venues. From the infant days back in 1892 up to its 125th anniversary, the Club has stood out on its own merits as a golfing institution like none other. Lahinch Golf Club is renowned for the way the links has retained all of its old virtues. It has benefited from the willingness, over the decades, to move with the times and is now regarded as one of the best and most enjoyable challenges to be found anywhere in the golfing world. Nearby golf attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way are Trump Doonbeg, Galway Bay Golf Resort and Dromoland Castle Golf Hotel.
The legendary Old Tom Morris set the highest standards for the course from the outset. He was followed by equally celebrated architects Charles ‘Mo’ Gibson and Dr Alister MacKenzie. In more recent times, the expertise of Dr Martin Hawtree ensures its place in the higher echelons of all golf rankings.
The Lahinch Old Course itself is easier to play than Ballybunion but retains the same links layout that’s emblematic of classic seaside links golf. Its layout follows the ‘out and back,’ starting and ending closest to the town of Lahinch. It’s a supremely natural course and one where every shot in the bag will be tested. The fairways run through huge grass-covered dunes to fast greens with devilish run-offs. There’s a great mix of holes, some asking for raw power, others for a subtler approach.
Two of the most famous holes in golf reside there. The Klondyke is a par-5 and features a drive into a scenic valley from where you then have to play a blind 183-metres over a monstrous sand dune to the oasis of safety that is the green. The Dell is a par-3 that inspires either delight or desperation but always awe at its natural beauty. You play your tee shot onto a green that is straddled front and back by sand dunes. The pin position, not visible from the tee box is indicated by the placement of a stone on the bank of the near dune. It is an anxious walk over the dune in anticipation of what lies beyond. Overall, Lahinch is a fantastic golf course that should be on everyone’s bucket-list, it remains a relatively hidden gem in the golfing world due to it being hidden from major tournaments.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse has recently undergone a renovation program that ensured five-star facilities awaited guests. The bar and restaurant facilities were also upgraded, whilst the golf shop was relocated to the main clubhouse and offers a wide selection of top branded clothing and golf accessories. Also in the clubhouse are fantastic ladies and gents changing facilities where day lockers are also available. The golf shop offers a wide selection of top branded clothing for men and ladies, including Lahinch logoed golf balls and accessories.
The South Bar & Restaurant
Davy Daniels has been working within the bar & restaurant at Lahinch Golf Club for over 30 years and continues to ensure that all embers and guests receive prompt, professional, friendly and courteous service at all times. Davy offers an extensive daytime menu and dinner menu every evening. The menus are designed to showcase the excellent fresh local produce that they have available in the region and suppliers have been carefully selected based on their products’ freshness.
Practice Short Game Academy
The short game academy is located directly across the road from the entrance to the Golf Club where in the 1940s the Irish Defence Forces opened a training area and built what became known as ‘The Sluagh Hall’ and a number of accommodation huts. The idea was to train youthful members of the LDF (Local Defence Forces) and its successor FCA (Fórsa Cosanta Áitúil) during the summer months. It went on to play a significant part in the life of Lahinch for the next sixty years. On its closure in 2014, the five acre site was acquired by Lahinch Golf Club and subsequently transformed into a short game practice area of stunning quality.
The new short game academy opened in 2016 and reflects the architectural genius of Dr. Martin Hawtree and the exceptional skills of Course Superintendent Brian McDonagh and his team. It consists of a large tee from where golfers play to three target greens within a range of 50 to 100 yards; a bunker practice area, a chipping green and driving bays. A longer practice area is located left of the 16th hole on the Castle Course.
Caddies
Full of fun, wit and wisdom but forever dedicated to the job – that has always been the way of the Lahinch caddie, without whom the game in this golfing paradise would never be quite the same. Our caddies are an integral part of the Club and a large number became very fine players in their own right. Their deep knowledge is much appreciated by the many visitors who might otherwise find the links something of a mystery. Lahinch is a classic seaside links golf course and players are asked to enjoy their game by walking the course. The Club requires visitors playing the Old Course to take at least one caddie in the group.
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