Alister MacKenzie

Cork hosts MacKenzie Society Gathering

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Harry Canning receiving the MacKenzie Gathering trophy from Alan McKinght. Pic: Niall O’Shea

Cork Golf Club celebrated part of their history when the club hosted the 33rd Annual Gathering of the Alister MacKenzie Society.  MacKenzie was the most prolific course architect and designer in the early 1900’s.  MacKenzie is responsible for some of the most famous golf courses from the first half of the last century including Augusta National, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne.

In 1925 he came to Cork and redeveloped the Little Island links which had been home to Cork since 1897.  MacKenzie also had a hand in designs in Muskerry and Douglas in the 1920’s as well as designing Lahinch’s famous Old Continue reading →

Muskerry’s Golfing History

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Muskerry’s 13th green. Pic: Niall O’Shea

Golf in Muskerry traces back to the late 1880’s but it wasn’t until 1907 that the current club was founded.  After just six weeks of work, the course designed and built by professional John McNamara was opened for play in May 1907.  Like many other clubs, proximity to a railway line was an essential prerequisite and the Coachford stop on the Muskerry tram line was close to the current 18th green.  The membership in Muskerry grew quickly and it was the quality of the course that attracted the growing membership.  The original course had five holes situated around the present front nine with another four holes across the road.  In fact anyone passing the entrance to Muskerry can still Continue reading →

Douglas Golfing History

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For over 110 years, Douglas Golf Club has looked over the city, ideally positioned on its elevates site on Maryborough Hill.  The original course was designed by golf legend Harry Vardon, a six time winner of the British Open.  Vardon designed the original eighteen hole layout after walking the land which was leased from Patrick McAuliffe.   The groundsmen worked with Tramore’s John McNamara who oversaw the build, and the first nine holes opened in December 1909.  The second nine opened a few months later and the first competition on the new course was held in April.  The course was an overnight success, drawing in a large membership from the Continue reading →