Back in 1896 the Club had its first nine-hole course in Tralee, believed to be where the Sports field is now located. A year later, in 1897, it opened a nine-hole course in Fenit on the south-western side of Barrow Harbour. There were 120 members then (compared to today's 1,300) who paid a subscription of 10 shillings a year, with visitors having one week free play as introduction.
During the 'Troubles', in the 1920's, a Captain Lionel Hewson was hired to design a new course in Oakpark, Tralee. He was suspicious of the men who sat around on the demesne walls watching him while he measured and made notes. He wrote later that 'bullets used to fly in those days on little provocation. He had reason to cast a wary eye - a Major McKinnon in the Auxiliary Division of the Royal Irish Constabulary was shot dead on the course in March, 1921, while playing golf.
The club opened its present Arnold Palmer-designed course for play at Barrow in October, 1984, after moving from its nine-hole course at Mounthawk near Tralee. It was a great achievement for the Club. Having decided to buy land at Barrow back in 1980, the members dream of seeing the Club attain world-wide status has been realized.
Not our mode of transportation, but just two of the three choppers parked at the club, owned by the nearby Hog's Head Golf Club, ferrying affluent American visitors to and from the course.
Whilst there are some nice holes on the front nine, it is the back nine where the links really shines. It proves that land and topography is a crucial element, provided that it is dealt with in the right way.
Palmer is quoted as saying, "I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine".
Much more dramatic dunes and natural undulations give the second nine a great deal of interest, and it is very impressive.
The view from atop the dune near the tee of the par four 15th hole.
The tee shot to the par three 16th hole.
The view from behind the green on the par three 16th hole.
One really disappointing element is the fact that the clubs down here at this time of the year are visitor factories. None more so that Tralee today. Using 12 minute tee intervals, we were over 20 minutes late to tee off at our scheduled 10.30am.
Five hours and forty five minutes later, we walked from the 18th green tired and frustrated.
Something like 170 golfers on course, mostly visitors.
I will let you work out the financials, but clearly the visitor experience is secondary to the almighty $$$.
Ronnie Dudfield was our winner today.
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