Ballybunion Golf Club
 10th hole of the Old Course | |
| Club information | |
|---|---|
  Location in southwest Ireland | |
| Coordinates | 52°29′42″N 9°40′34″W / 52.495°N 9.676°W |
| Location | Ballybunion, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Established | 1893, 131 years ago |
| Type | Private |
| Total holes | 36 |
| Events hosted | Irish Open (2000) |
| Website | ballybuniongolfclub.ie/ |
| Old Course | |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6,802 yards (6,220 m) Longest hole is #5, 560 yards (512 m) |
| Course rating | 72 |
| Cashen Course | |
| Designed by | Robert Trent Jones, Sr. |
| Par | 72 |
| Length | 6,318 yards (5,777 m) Longest hole is #8, 605 yards (553 m) |
| Course rating | 73 |
The Ballybunion Golf Club is a golf club in County Kerry, Ireland. Founded in 1893, the club had barely opened its doors before experiencing financial problems. An investment from Colonel Bartholomew saved the club in 1906, and nine new holes were promptly laid out. By 1927 the course had been expanded to 18 holes.
Considered one of the finest links courses in the world, Ballybunion's reputation grew over time. Unfortunately, its remote locale on the Irish southwest coast has prevented the course from being selected for many top championship events. Still, a number of the world's best players have found their way to the famed course. One, in particular, has had a lasting impact. Tom Watson first visited Ballybunion in 1981 and has returned often.[1] In 1995, he remodeled Ballybunion into the course that exists today. Ballybunion was ranked by Golf Digest in 2005 as the seventh best course in the world outside the United States.[2][3] Ballybunion's success has led to new visitors from around the world booking tours of this and many other golfing jewel locations.[4] However, Ballybunion houses not one but two courses; those being The Old Course and The Cashen Course.
- The Old Course has a length of 6,802 yards (6,220 m) (Blue Tees) and 6,350 yards (White Tees). Ladies Tees are 5,459 yards. Par: 71 Men / 74 Ladies.
- The Cashen Course has a length of 6,306 yards (5,766 m) yards (Blue Tees) and 5,997 (White Tees); Ladies Tees are 5,031 yards. Par: 72 Men & Ladies. Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1984.[5]
The Old Course hosted the Irish Open on the European Tour in 2000, won by Patrik Sjöland.[6]
During his second term, U.S. President Bill Clinton played the course in September 1998.[7] A statue of him with a golf club in the town of Ballybunion commemorates the visit.[8] After leaving office, he returned in May 2001.[9]
The club is located south of town on Sandhill Road.
References
- ^ Parascenzo, Marino (January 27, 1983). "Try taking on Ballybunion for real golf horror". PG East. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). p. 8.
- ^ Brice, David (20 November 2009). "Ballybunion: A name that thrills every golf aficionado". Golf International Inc. PGA Tour. Retrieved 4 July 2010.
- ^ Chancellor, T.L. "Golf Courses in Southern Ireland". USA Today. Retrieved 4 July 2010.
- ^ "Ballybunion Golfing Tours".
- ^ "Ballybunion Golf Course Information".
- ^ "Sjoland captures Murphy's Irish Open title". PGA European Tour. 2 July 2000. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
- ^ Hunt, Terence (September 6, 1998). "President's golf shot misses the graveyard". Spartanburg (SC) Herald-Journal. Associated Press. p. A14.
- ^ "Statue to Bill Clinton". Ponchatoula (LA) Times. (photo). June 26, 2003. p. 6.
- ^ "Former president travels to Ireland". The Hour. Norwalk, CT. May 22, 2001. p. A2.
External links
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