Club History
Ennis Golf Club has been part of the sporting and social life of County Clare for over a century.
Generations of members, volunteers and captains
Ennis Golf Club was founded in 1907 at a time when organised golf was beginning to take hold across Ireland. The original course layout was modest by today’s standards, but it quickly established a reputation as a challenging and enjoyable test of golf.
From the outset, the club served as a social gathering point as well as a sporting one, drawing members from Ennis town and the surrounding countryside.
As the club’s membership grew, so too did the course and facilities. Over the decades, Ennis Golf Club expanded and refined its layout, responding to changes in the game while preserving the character of a traditional parkland course.
100th Anniversary of Ennis Golf Club - 2007
This article featured in the Clare Champion in 2007 marks the 100th anniversary of Ennis Golf Club by looking back on a century of memorable moments, achievements and steady development. Founded in 1907, the club quickly established itself as a competitive force, with members going on to represent Munster and Ireland at international level.
Over the decades, Ennis Golf Club enjoyed success in major inter-club competitions, including victories in the Barton Shield, Pierce Purcell Shield and Munster Junior and Senior Championships. Individual achievements are also highlighted, notably Tricia Mangans’ Irish Ladies Championship success, Vincent Nevin’s international honours, and the long tradition of players competing in the Munster and Irish Close Championships.
The feature also traces key milestones off the course, from course expansions and improvements to the opening of a modern clubhouse and significant investment exceeding €2 million. Through historic photographs and personal stories, the article captures how Ennis Golf Club has combined sporting success with strong community spirit, positioning the club confidently as it moves into its second century.
Historic Photos & Memories
Ennis Golf Club Through the Decades
Founded in 1907
Where the new Clubhouse stands today is the third site that the Golf Club has occupied. We know that golf was played back as far as 1897 and possibly before that. The game was then played in Claureen on the Lahinch Road on property owned by the Davern family.
A useful feature of that site was that it was bounded by the railway line, The West Clare, which became a means of transport to the course for some of the club’s membership. The military station in Ennis, as was also the case in Limerick and Lahinch was mainly responsible for the development of the game. The fee in 1898 was 10s, as it was in 1907, the date of the club’s official foundation.
By 1908 the Gold Club has relocated to The Showgrounds. The land at Cahercalla was the property of a Mr Crowe JP, who leased the land to the Show Society and who in turn leased it to the Golf Club. It seems that the game grew in interest and popularity while based in the Showgrounds as the club looked for a more spacious site in 1912. It was then that the present location in Drumbiggle was settled on.
Early Beginnings
Around 1911, after a deal was finalised for the land in Drumbiggle, the name Knox became associated with the club and would continue to do so up to the present day. Alexander Knox, a Scotsman and wine merchant, established a successful business in Abbey St. in thepremises which still bears his name. His wife was a very prominent golfer and played of a handicap of 6. Alexander Knox became the first President of Ennis Golf Club and held that position from 1925 to 1934.
He presented the Knox Cup, our premier match play competition, which was won in itsinaugural year 1916 and again in 1919 by his nephew J.A. Torrens. Des Torrens, a son of J.A. was a rugby international, inter-provincialgolfer and Captain of the club in 1951.
Continuous Development
In 1926 the first major development on the site called The Pavilion was completed at of cost of £536. It was a major undertaking in those days and required additional investment of £118 the following year. 15s was also paid out for a new mower that year. Membership was the £2 per annum.
In 1935 there was a general renovation which included extra windows, extra seating, the fireplace was replaced with open hearth, a mantle gratewas bought for £2.19.6.Over the following 10 years, telephone and ESB were installed along with further improvements of extra windows, lockers and automatic cisterns in toilets.
At the end of 1947, Ennis had a nine holecourse with a membership of 219 and an annual subscription of £2.60. A committee was established to examine the purchase of suitable land for course expansion to 18 holes. Moloney’s land across the road from the existing course was bought for £3000 and a further £1500 raised for its development. Work began in 1949, it was mainly completed by voluntary labour and it’s a great tribute to the Officers, Committee and club members of the day that by 1952 golf was being played in Moloney’s crag. To cater for this new and exciting expansion the club house had to be extended at a cost of £1500.
1960’s
The sixties decade was an era of wonderful voluntary commitment by members, much of what we have today we owe to the vision and involvement of that generation. Look for their names on the roll call of Past Captains, Presidents and Committee members indeed those who never served at that level who gave of their time and effort for the benefit of their era and that which was to come and is now amongst us. Under the captaincy of Brian Kelly, RIP, Ted Sheils and Fr. Pat Malone the clubhouse was restructured and renovated at a cost of £20,000.
The Modern Clubhouse
A Sub Committee for the Clubhouse Development was set up in February 1995 to examine the existing facilities and to identify the improvements / changes required to provide a clubhouse and other facilities which were necessary for the effective and efficient running of the club and for the enjoyment of members and visitors. The Sub Committee examined all options and concluded that the best option was to build a new clubhouse.
The Official Opening of the new Clubhouse took place on Friday 27thAugust 1999.
Designed to enhance both the sporting and social aspects of the club, the clubhouse offers Ladies & Gents Locker Rooms, Pro-Shop, Offices, Bar & Restaurant with panoramic views across the course. Today it serves as the heart of the club –a place where members gather, visitors are welcomed and lifelong friendships are formed.
A Club with a Strong Community Spirit
Ennis Golf Club has always placed great value on camaraderie, inclusivity and sporting excellence. With a full programme of competitions, active men’s and ladies’ sections, and a welcoming approach to visitors, the club continues to thrive while remaining true to the principles established over a century ago.
More than 100 years on, Ennis Golf Club proudly combines its rich heritage with a forward-looking vision, offering an exceptional golfing experience in the heart of County Clare.
Presidents of Ennis Golf Club
There’s something quietly powerful about standing in front of our Presidents’ board and tracing the story of Ennis Golf Club through the names etched upon it.
Since Alexander Knox first took office in 1925, each President has carried the responsibility of stewarding the Club on behalf of its members, guiding it through changing times while protecting the traditions that make it so special.
Across decades of development, from formative early years to periods of growth, modernisation and renewed ambition, these leaders have given their time, judgement and steady hands to ensure the Club continued to thrive both on and off the course.
More than a list of names, this roll of honour reflects the enduring spirit of service and community at the heart of Ennis Golf Club. Many of our Presidents were lifelong members, some representing generations of families whose connection to the Club runs deep. Their commitment has helped shape not only the course and facilities, but also the welcoming culture and strong sense of belonging that members value today.
As we look to the future, we do so standing on the shoulders of those who have served before, grateful for their dedication and proud of the legacy they have entrusted to us.
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