History of Ballinrobe Golf Club

zoom

Miss Rita Hynes RIP playing golf on old Golf Course at the Lough, Ballinrobe c 1925

Staunton Family

Ballinrobe is one of the oldest courses in Connaught.  It was instituted in 1895 and affiliated in 1902 and was first listed in the “Golfing Annual”, 1895-96, as being founded on 3rd October, 1895.  It goes on to read “a private one, consisting at present of only six holes, but it is hoped the other three will be added shortly. Ballinrobe station is within two minuets’ walk“.

Members

There were 70 members and the first President was Col. C. H. Knox, Captain was T. Forde, and the Hon. Secretary was R. C. Hearne, Killoshine Cottage, Ballinrobe.

Ladies

Ladies have always played a part and their subscription was five shillings. It was extended to nine holes in 1896, and it measured 1,900 yards.

First Competition

The first competition was recorded in the “Irish Field” on 9th April, 1910.

Fund Raising

Ballinrobe has always had a great tradition of fundraising through golf.  In 1915, the “Irish Life” on 23rd July, reads “the club is to be congratulated on the success which attended the bogey competition in aid of the Cigarette Fund for the Connaught Rangers and Mayo Prisoners in Germany.  The club has only 40 members but it raised £7.10s”

Original Location

While it is thought Golf was played on the Creagh Estate, the earliest know Golf Club was at Cornaroya, near the present GAA grounds.