Ballinamore Golf Club - 90 years old and still going strong!

Ballinamore Golf Club Club is putting the final touches to the clubhouse and course for its 90th Birthday this Saturday May 4. 

This year, Ballinamore Golf Club is celebrating its 90th Birthday, 1934 -2024, that is no small achievement for any Golf Club, considering the oldest Golf Club in Ireland is the Royal Curragh Golf Club started in 1852 and the Royal Dublin Golf Club in 1885, Leitrim was not too far behind.

All our past and present members are invited to attend, especially past Captains, Lady Captains and Presidents, along with all our sponsors over the years who continue to support the club, are invited as a small token of our appreciation and thanks. 

There will be a 18 hole competition for Friday and Saturday morning, just book your tee time on masterscoreboard, then later a fun  Scramble Competition at 4pm with a mix of all levels of golfers to enjoy a fun game of golf just be there early for the draw, followed by an evening of food, presentations and entertainment for all.

Many thanks to the sponsor of the weekend Birthday Bash, Miceal & Cathy Sammon.

Ballinamore Golf Club was founded in 1934 when it started its humble beginnings on the McGovern estate at Willowfield, Ballinamore.

The Willowfield course continued into the 1940s with 12 members and an annual membership of £1-10, it kept going with the dedication of the members.

In the early 1940s the Club made a move that was to associate it with the Geoghegan family for the next 45yrs, finding a home first on its Ballyduff estate and then in 1959 moving to its present location at Creevy Park.

According to Joan Toolan, ‘In 1949 the Club in Ballyduff had 40 men and 10 lady members, with an annual membership of £2.50, we raised money by running whist drives, club dances and cake sales etc.’

Key Highlights during the years

• 1969 - The erection of the first Golf Club House which cost £1,500, equipped with a Bar, Toilets and all necessary facilities.
• 1983 - Official Opening of the New Clubhouse. Programme of events, 18 hole Stableford, ladies 9 hole competition followed by dinner in the Slieve an Iarainn Hotel, and Official opening and unveiling of Club Plaque. Club officers in 1983, President Michael Martin, Captain Noel Sweeney, Lady Captain Breege Solon.
• 1993 - Ballinamore Golf Club went from strength to strength, and after having various leasing arrangements over the years the Club got to buy the course in 1993, and held its 1st Golf Classic Competition to help finance future developments.
• 1999 - Official opening of Ballinamores's new course. In 1998 the golf course was redesigned by Arthur Spring from Kerry, the course became a beautiful parkland 9 hole course admired by many golfers and visitors over the years.
• In June 1999 the official opening of the new course took place with Dr Arthur Spring and officials of the Golfing Union present.
• 2004 - Opening of the Clubhouse refurbishment. In 2004 the refurbishment of the Clubhouse was officially opened by JP McManus, a magnificent boost to the club. A lot of work and commitment from the officers in 2004, President Dr Sean Bourke, Captain Kieran Brennan and Lady Captain Maureen Heslin.
• 2008 - Gallagher Group commences supporting the Golf Club. Petie Rourke asked Pat Gallagher to get involved with the Club, since then Pat Gallagher and his family have been main sponsors and key supporters of the Club through the good times and bad.
• 2015 - Former Irish Open Champion Shane Lowry was guest of Honour at the Gallagher Golf Classic in 2015, Shane was greeted by a large enthusiastic group of members especially the young members.

Now 90 years later Ballinamore Golf Club is still going strong, looking back over the history of the Club the key ingredient to the success of the club is the commitment and dedication of its members throughout the years.

In Ballinamore being a member, President or Captain doesn’t mean you just play golf, we are caretakers of the Club following on from the past members, sponsors and supporters, so that the next generation can continue to enjoy this wonderful parkland 9 hole course as we are. Volunteering is an important part of the club, hospitality to new members and visitors is as important now as it was in 1934.

This 90th Birthday Bash is a celebration for all our past and present members, supporters and sponsors as a thank you and to show our appreciation of the commitment and work everyone has put into making this one of the best nine hole Golf Courses in Connacht.

Many thanks to all, please come along on Saturday May 4, to help us show our appreciation and celebrate the success of the Club.