Early History

From Early Beginnings to Modern Times
‘Ground for a new course has been secured near the town’, according to a report in the heretofore mentioned Irish Field of 1913. A Mr. W. C. Pickman who laid out the plans for the original nine hole course at Portmarnock in 1894 was asked to lay out the course and he promised to do so. This land was leased, and it is not really known why the purchase was not completed until 1970. The first part of a two-part program got under way in that year to improve the course, and from then to the present day, due to the dedication, generosity and hard work of many Officers of the club and the members, the club thrived.
“The new clubhouse”
In 1975, it was proposed to build a new two-storey clubhouse. Following the decision on plans, layouts and tendering, the clubhouse was finally opened in December 1976, and officially opened by Pat Foley, President G.U.I, in June 1977.
First indications of plans to extend to 18 holes comes from the minute book of 1982, where it is recorded that a sub-committee of trusted members was formed to investigate the possibility of purchasing additional land. At an EGM, in the same year, a report from Mr. Eddie Hackett, R.I.P., Golf Course Architect, stated that the land to be purchased was suitable for golf, and would yield 7 holes, two others could be got on the existing course, thus giving 18 holes.
A decision was made at the AGM of 1987 to go forward with the construction of the new nine holes and under the stewardship and direction of the late Jim Whitney, a man of great vision, persistence and stamina. Unfortunately, serious illness struck Jim in that year and he died in June 1988 but he is remembered each year when the Jim Whitney Shield is played for. His death was a great loss, but an admirable successor, Ted Morrissey, famed for his role with St. Dympna’s in the 1957 Junior football final against the St. Martin’s, took up the mantle of supervision and direction. Progress on the development was so good that on May 28th, 1989, the 18-hole course was played for the first time.
With some additions of land, changes were inevitable to improve the layout. Both Eddie Hackett and Pat Ruddy, (European Club), both oversaw various changes during the 90’s to give us the course we enjoy today. In 2005 additional land was purchased to improve the course by the addition of two new holes and the addressing of various ‘safety’ concerns. Mr. Jeff Howes, Golf Course Architect, undertook this planning during 2006 and completed the project in 2007. The two new holes are now in play and are an excellent addition to the Course.
We trust you will enjoy the efforts of so many dedicated golfers and friends, those who are still with us and those that have gone to their eternal reward who gave so much to the development of the course as we know it today.
If you would like to know more about the history of Enniscorthy Golf Club, Enniscorthy Town and its people, the limited edition centenary publication “Enniscorthy Golf Club 1907 – 2007” is on sale and can still purchased in the ’98 Commemorative Centre and at the bar in the clubhouse, or alternatively contact the club for details on how to acquire a copy.
