Our History
A timeless test of traditional links golf on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic coast.
Origins of Ballyliffin Golf Club
Foundations of the Game
The exact date of origin of the game of Golf in the Ballyliffin area is difficult to pinpoint. Clubs in Greencastle (1893), North West (1890) and the City of Derry (1912) were already well established by the 1940s and supposedly their success acted as a reassuring prompt to the formal establishment of a Club in Ballyliffin.
Before the Club
The game had been played spasmodically at Pollen Green (Gerard Grants Land) by members of the British Army, stationed at Leenan Fort and later in the 1920s and 1930s by Carndonagh Bankers and others who could afford the time.
History Timeline
Formation of Ballyliffin Golf Club
A meeting of those interested in the formation of the Golf Club at Ballyliffin was held in Ballyliffin Hall on 2nd April 1947. It was formally proposed by Dr. F. C. Friel, seconded by P.J. McCarroll and passed unanimously that the Ballyliffin Golf Club be established.
By the 8th August 1947, a lease of all the necessary rights for a period of ten years was granted by the ten landowners concerned to the newly elected trustees of the Club for an initial annual sum of £1 per year per landowner.
The course was unofficially declared open for play to Members in June, but as the newly laid greens were still quite rough it was decided to postpone the official opening.
May 2nd 1948 was eventually chosen as the date to mark the official opening of the Club.
The Early Years
In the years following the opening the Club continued to grow steadily. In 1948 – 1949 the Club purchased its first mower – the Atco Motor Mower – which at the time was seen as a major achievement.
Members played an active role in maintaining the course. Before playing their round of golf they often brought their own lawnmowers to cut greens and tees and to maintain the course boundaries.
Membership of the Club meant far more than simply playing golf. Members prepared the course first and then got down to the business of golf.
This spirit of voluntary effort and cooperation became known as the “Spirit of Ballyliffin” – a tradition of good-humoured, selfless participation that defined the club’s early identity.
Growth and Land Negotiations
The early 1960s saw the gradual development of the Club in terms of increased membership, improved revenue and greater green fee contributions.
In 1964 – 1965, for perhaps the first time in the Club’s history, the Honorary Treasurer recorded a profit of £500 for the season, which at the time was considered phenomenal business.
Towards the end of the 1960s the renewal of the land lease became a major issue. Confidence within the Club was growing and the idea of purchasing the land on which the course stood began to develop.
Following extensive negotiations with local landowners, the Club secured the opportunity to purchase shares in a large commonage area of links land – over 400 acres – an important step that would shape the future of Ballyliffin Golf Club.
The Old Links Course
Work on the new course began in 1970 on the land acquired by the Club.
Initially nine holes were prepared for play and by 1973 eighteen holes were in play on what became known as The Old Links.
Golf course architect Eddie Hackett, working with Bord Fáilte, visited the course on several occasions and helped to lay out the playing holes. English architects Lawrie and Pennick also visited and provided their views.
The course which eventually emerged reflected ideas from each of them together with a number of suggestions from Martin Hopkins, resulting in the distinctive links layout that remains today.
Challenges and Financial Struggles
The opening of the Old Links marked a major milestone, but the Club soon faced significant challenges.
During the mid-1970s erosion along the seaward boundary of the course threatened parts of the property after natural gravel barriers protecting the coastline were removed. Eventually the local council prohibited the removal of shoreline materials, allowing the natural protection to be restored.
At the same time the Club experienced serious financial difficulties. By 1977 the Treasurer reported an overdraft and urgent action was required.
Members organised fundraising initiatives including concerts, club draws and bazaars. Thanks to these efforts and the determination of members, the Club was able to overcome these challenges and by 1980 its position had stabilised.
Building the New Clubhouse
At the Annual General Meeting of February 1980 members agreed that the time had come to improve facilities and build a new clubhouse.
Fundraising efforts intensified during the early 1980s and by 1987 the Club had successfully raised significant funds through initiatives such as the £100 Draw.
The new clubhouse officially opened in 1987, marking a major turning point in the history of Ballyliffin Golf Club.
Membership numbers grew rapidly, green fee revenue increased significantly and the Club began to gain wider recognition as one of Ireland’s outstanding links destinations.
The Creation of Glashedy Links
In 1991 a Development Committee was established to create a long-term plan for the Club’s future and address increasing pressure from visiting golfers.
Following discussions with golf course architects Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, the Club decided to develop a second championship course on land already owned by the Club.
Construction of the course began on 7th May 1993 and progressed rapidly, with fairways, greens and tees shaped over the following months. Seeding began in September and favourable weather helped the project move forward smoothly.
The course, Glashedy Links, officially opened on 3rd August 1995 and was immediately recognised as a course of exceptional design and dramatic links landscape.
A World-Class Links Destination
From its beginnings in 1947, Ballyliffin Golf Club has grown into one of the most respected links golf destinations in the world.
With two outstanding championship courses – The Old Links and Glashedy Links – the Club attracts golfers from across Ireland and around the globe.
The spirit that defined the early years of the Club continues today, with a strong sense of community, dedication to the game and pride in one of the finest natural links landscapes in golf.
Beyond the Fairways
Sustainability
Discover how Ballyliffin protects and preserves its natural links landscape.
