Dooks Golf Club
Overview
Situated between Ballybunion and Waterville, Tom Coyne has helped put Dooks Golf Club on the map as a must-play between the two. Dooks was the first 18 hole golf course in Ireland! The logo is one of the best in golf. It features a Natterjack Toad which shares its natural habitat with the club.
Golf Course Review
Dooks Golf Club sits alongside the Atlantic providing epic views of the McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range, Dingle Bay, and the nearby dunes of Inch. There is also water on three sides – perhaps it is here that Herbert Fowler conceived of his Ideal Course?
Dooks Golf Club Early History
The club dates from 1889 – making it one of the oldest clubs in Ireland. It was established by Scottish officers of the Royal Horse Artillery as a 9 hole course.
In 1895, Anthony Brown was called upon to refine the layout. In 1900, the course became 18 holes but they were soon abandoned due to the costs involved. It did, however, make Dooks Golf Club the first 18 hole golf course in Ireland.
From Rags to Riches at Dooks
The club was almost lost in 1965 when its lease was not extended. After an extensive campaign, the price was set and with help, the club was able to buy the freehold. Following quickly after, the members themselves laid out the second nine which opened for play in 1970.
In 2002, Martin Hawtree was called upon to completely overhaul and revamp Dooks Golf Club – making it a test of golf. Work began in 2003 and was completed in 2006 to a tune of €2.5 million! Once described as a course built for fun at barely 6,000 yards, it now measures 6,511 yards from the back tees…
Dooks Golf Club - Videos
watch no laying up's review of dooks golf club
watch dooks golf club official promo
ENJOY HIDDEN LINKS CLASSIC REVIEW OF DOOKS GC
Featured Architect: MacKenzie, Alister
As taken from his book, Golf Architecture, Alister MacKenzie felt the following were essential: The course, where possible, should be arranged in two loops of nine holes. There should be a large proportion of good two-shot holes and at least four one-shot holes. There should be little walking between...
