Clonakilty Golf Club is a West Cork gem set to expand to 18 holes
Clonakilty Officers Jim Scannell (President), Paul Crosbie (Captain) and Denise McCarthy (Lady Captain) pictured at the recent drive in.
Clonakilty Golf Club is a West Cork gem with major plans for 2025 and beyond.
Having started as a six-hole course back in 1994, it subsequently extended to nine holes ten years later. That was extended to 14 holes and there are firm plans to extend to the full 18 holes.
Situated on the Cork side of Clonakilty, with the Argideen River winding through the course and Lisselan House and Gardens serving as a scenic backdrop, Clonakilty Golf Club is a charming course with its par signature par three, fourth hole.
In 2023, the Golfers Guide of Ireland awarded the nine-hole Munster prize to Clonakilty Golf Club.
The first six-hole layout was brought into being by previous owner David Blackburn, and current owner Colette Twomey saw the course expand further.
It was Blackburn’s original plan to build an 18-hole course in the estate back in 1990 only to find himself limited to six holes due to planning constraints.
Over 30 years later, it looks like local entrepreneur Twomey will realise the original ambition, with designer Paul Walsh at an advanced stage of designing the new holes.
“It’s a great place to come pay and play, or to book your golf classic or society outing, dates are filling out fast for 2025,” said chairperson Sarah Lane who has been a stalwart of the clubs for several years.
“Green fees are just €30 for 18 holes or €20 for 14 holes. We are actively looking for new members to join the club, which has a membership of over 500 members and a regular playing membership of Men and Ladies in the region of 150 players.”
President Jim Scannell having served as secretary on Management Committee, is delighted to take over the role of this year’s President.
The membership rates are competitive, including the Golf Ireland levy the fee for the year for ladies and gents is €680.
There’s an over-66 rate of €555 and the rates for juveniles up to 26 years range from €85 to €405.
Anyone interested in joining the club can fill out the application form which is available on the club website.
Lady Captain Denise McCarthy is looking forward to a busy year on the women’s side.
“The Lady’s club is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength. At the heart of our club lies a welcoming community that values every player’s journey regardless of experience and handicap and we are proud to foster an environment that everyone can grow, learn and enjoy the game of golf," she said.
“We are currently in year two of a two-year ‘Get into Golf’ programme for our lady golfers which introduces ladies of all standards to the game and I’m delighted that these ladies are out enjoying our beautiful course, practicing their golf game, and making great friends in the process."
Gents Captain Paul Crosbie is looking forward to a busy year on the inter-club front and he’s hoping the club can build on a successful year last year.
“We have entered into 10 National teams events this year (excluding our West Cork events), after our incredible success last year with our Senior Men’s Jimmy Bruen team, where we made the National semi-final, something we would love to go one better with this year.
"We retained the McEvoy Shield in Ring of Kerry with a great performance and our juvenile boys made it to the National finals in their first year in the competition,” he said.
“Our Snowflakes’ (males over 60s) is now in its fourth year and steadily growing. They play competitions on Monday mornings throughout the year - mainly team events, highly competitive with a shotgun start.
"Afterwards they have prize-giving, tea and chat and new members to get to know other members.”
In addition to many club events, the course is also used by other clubs and organisations for their societies and golf classics. Clonakilty RFC will hold their classic on May 3 with Clonakilty GAA holding their classic on Saturday, June 14.
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