Bandon Golf Club

Bandon Redevelopment Plan Continues

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The changes to the bunkers on the 1st in Bandon were completed in  phase one of the course improvement plan.
Picture: Donal O’Donovan

The course developments are continuing in Bandon with the second phase of planned improvements currently underway.  Last year Bandon commenced their ambitious plan to redevelop several areas of the course, and the progress to date has been impressive.  In 2019 a new short game area was opened as part of the project, and while work in 2020 will be delayed, phase two is close to completion.

Bunkers form a major part of the redevelopment project.  There were 52 bunkers on the course and under the new design plan this will reduce this to 41.  This will include three new bunkers and the re positioning of another six. The design will also make the bunkers more visible from the tee box and approach shots to the greens.  The installation of EcoBunker artificial Continue reading →

West Cork’s Golfing History

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Bandon’s 7th green with Castle Bernard in the background.
Picture: Niall O’Shea

West Cork is famed for it’s sporting traditions, and golf forms a big part of that with the sport going back to the 1880’s.  That means that golf pre-dates many other organised sports, although in the early years the sport was dominated by army officers and based bear garrisons, barracks and camps.  From rough and ready makeshift courses that rarely lasted longer than a short lease, the courses that survived have developed into a number of nine and eighteen hole gems.  Bandon and Kinsale are both in West Cork, but their proximity to the city allow for a large travelling membership from the city and surburbs.  Bandon is now over 110 years old, and has been based in the Castlebernard for all of that time.  It has the distinction of being the first West Cork Club to extend to 18 holes back in 1978.  One of the largest and most successful clubs Continue reading →

Kinsale, Bandon & East Cork all chasing Munster Pennants

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AIG Barton Shield 2019South Munster

Kinsale’s Gary Ward

Three Cork clubs will be chasing glory this weekend in Tramore as the last of the AIG Cups and Shields finals are down for decision.  Barton Shield holders Kinsale put on a strong performance at home in the qualifiers to come through the tough South Munster section.  Although they’re without John Murphy this weekend, Kinsale have a strong panel and with the experience of last year and the guidance of Ger Cullinane, they’ll be ready to take on Limerick.  Cathal Butler and Gary Ward have been playing well recently, both golfers were central to the win in Thurles last year and they will certainly be hoping a repeat of that performance.

East Cork have had a dramatic journey through to the Junior Cup Munster semi-final.  Their 19th hole win in Muskerry over Bandon showed Continue reading →