Lahinch Golf Club 125 Years

Chipping in to the 6th green.

The club was founded on April 15th 1892, in Sharry’s Hotel on the main street of Lahinch (where the post office is today). Members of the Black Watch Regiment met and signed a lease with Daniel Thynne, and the first game took place on that very day, with holes marked out by feathers and sticks.

In 1894, Old Tom Morris arrived to lend his design expertise and it says a lot that over a century later two of his greatest holes (Klondyke and The Dell)

A Lot of Love for Lahinch

Lahinch's seaside 7th hole

It had been eight years since I visited Lahinch and Doonbeg golf clubs. In 2008, I was driving a camper van as part of a three week trip to the West coast; in 2016 it was a mere three days… but playing two such remarkable courses made the quick trip more

Lahinch and €83 Accommodation (for two)

[Photo: the famous 'Klondike' 4th hole]

There aren't many conversations regarding Ireland's best courses, where Lahinch doesn't crop up.

Between its heritage (Old Tom Morris most famously, with a healthy dose of Mackenzie tossed in) and its weather-predicting goats and its views, there is more than enough to keep everybody happy.

And Lahinch must be fairly happy at the moment - a recent Irish Times article reported that the club had 'turned the corner and is back in profit'. There's a long way to go to reach the giddy heights of 2007, but little steps, people, little steps.

And now there's an accommodation deal which should help to lure even more golfers (and surfers) to this seaside village which has - in my humble opinion - some of the best drinking spots in the country. Have a drink, step onto the beach, go for a swim... my kind of place.

The Lahinch Golf & Leisure Hotel is doing one of those great discount deals... but I have to point out straight away, that this offer does not apply to June, July, August or September... and it expires in late December 2012. Hmm, a bit dodgy if you ask me, but Irish weather can deliver glorious Mays and Octobers, not to mention better value green fees as it won't be peak season.

The offer is this:

Overnight (€83) or Two-Night (€122) Break for Two in Deluxe Double Room, and Main Course and Glass of Wine Each. There are other details, and you'll find them all on here, at Living Social.

The offer expires on the 18th or 19th April, so you've got time to sort yourself out - although 39 have already been purchased so who knows how many they're prepared to sell.

And for Lahinch green fees you should get away with €90 - €110

Lahinch looking for a General Manager

[Photo: Lahinch's opening hole, a par four]

Well, opportunities like this don't come along every day. I have to confess it's something I've thought about doing myself (not at Lahinch), but it seems to be a thankless task. You're never going to keep all the members happy are you, and from what I've heard, you don't get to play much golf either. And what's the point of working at a golf club if you don't get to play.

If anyone's interested in pursuing this role at Lahinch - one of Ireland's finest links courses (and where Stewart Cink practised before going on to lift the Claret Jug in 2009) - here's the link.

[Photo: the approach to the brilliant par four 6th, and one of the best shots you'll play]