Golf began in this area of Ireland in the 1880's. Generally the development of golf was due to the influences of the forces of the British Empire. Where there were Garrisons, there was golf.
Waterville was different. Here it was introduced through technology, by the men who arrived here to work on the first transatlantic cable relaying messages between North America and Europe.
Hundreds of technicians arrived to work on the cable project, building and manning the cable stations, and their recreation included golf. It was quite crude, and limited to winter, when the grasses died down.
1889 marked the commencement of structured golf, when the Waterville Athletic Club developed a nine hole layout, roughly where the front nine is today. The course was operated by the Athletic Club, on behalf of the Commercial Cable Company, until the 1950's. At that time technology had advanced, and cable workers declined.
The course fell into dormancy during the 1960's, until the arrival of John A. Mulcahy. Mulcahy joined forces with Eddie Hackett and Claude Harmon to design a course. After a great deal of work, the course and clubhouse opened in 1973.
Like many courses over here, the nines are contrasting. Not as much as some other courses, but the back nine is a little more rugged.
Sue Nicholson preparing to hit her tee shot to the par three 12th.
The condition of the course was average, and the greens were like putting on velcro. Like many courses in this area, visitor golf is unbelievably busy. They jam in as many as they can take, which does put pressure on resources, round times, and overall the experience.
Janet Guppy preparing to approach the par four 14th hole.
Behind the green at the par four 15th.
Heading for home at the par five 18th.
Janet Guppy was our winner today, grinding out her round through the patch of really heavy rain early in the back nine.
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