Simon O’Hara

The changing face of Cork Golf Club

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

As well as clearing vegetation, natural wetlands are also being promoted like this area under the 8th tee at Cork Golf Club.
Picture: Niall O’Shea

The work at Cork Golf Club continues as Simon O’Hara and the course staff continue to peel back the layers to reveal some of the original features of the famous cork course.  Well over 120 years after the club moved to Little Island, and 95 years after Sir Alister MacKenzie laid out the current course, it’s almost a case of back to the future for Cork as the limestone walls and original views are revealed.  The projects are being led by Cork’s Superintendent Simon O’Hara and the team of skilled greenkeepers.  O’Hara moved from Fota Island to Cork two years ago, and soon after he arrived he started to make a few changes.  He reinstated the practice chipping green which is adjacent to the 18th fairway and last spring he oversaw the removal of the Continue reading →

The Changing Face of Cork Golf Club

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com

The limestone walls and Cork harbour feature prominently at Cork Golf Club.
Picture: Niall O’Shea

There’s a change taking place on the course in Cork Golf Club, and in some senses it could be viewed as going back to the origins of the course.  Course Superintendent Simon O’Hara and the course team have set about clearing gorse, trees, shrubs and vegetation to reveal stunning views of the water and the quarry.  The changes don’t affect the tees, fairways or greens, but the vista around the quarry holes has changed and the new views may give golfers a glimpse into the course as it might have looked early in the last century.  This is the latest series of changes that Simon O’Hara has brought to Little Island.  O’Hara moved from Fota Island to Cork around 18 months ago, and soon after he arrived he started to make a few changes.  He reinstated the practice chipping green which is adjacent to the 18th fairway and last spring he oversaw the removal of the large putting green and replacing it with a brand new one.  While the course Continue reading →

Simon’s new job in Cork

/ niall@corkgolfnews.com
Simon O'Hara_Cork Golf Club_May 2019

Simon O’Hara

Simon O’Hara took as the Course Superintendent in Cork Golf Club last year, and the Currabinny native is relishing the new role in the famous Little Island links.  Having worked in Fota Island for close to 20 years, O’Hara was an ideal candidate to take over from Anthony Gillis who retired last year.  While the move was from one island to another, O’Hara has had an interesting journey to get to Cork.  “I have had a fortunate life, a great upbringing in Currabinny, Co. Cork, with lots of outdoor pursuits; sailing, swimming, fishing, and lots of sports” explained Simon, “I was given a great appreciation of nature and landscapes by my artistic Parents, Anna and Patrick.  Whilst I always wanted to work outdoors, the path was not so obvious, but during my early college adventures, I had the great fortune to be introduced to golf by Continue reading →