Our History
CLUB HISTORY
The clubhouse was built on its present site in 1896, It has undergone changes due to a fire (1905) and periodic additions to accommodate growing numbers.
THE CLUBHOUSE
The present interior layout was completed in 2003. The Bradshaw Room and the Dining Room cater for members and visitors alike and afford panoramic views of the links. There are separate locker rooms with personal lockers and rest rooms for use by visitors and the bar and dining facilities are open to all. Full a la carte and table d’hote menus are available as are snacks and sandwiches.
In February, 1906 the plans for a new clubhouse were formed and accepted by members and the clubhouse reopened less than a year later. Further additions to the clubhouse were added over the years including staff quarters and in 2003 a major internal renovation project took place to modernize the growing requirements of members and guests.
The first place to be used as a clubhouse was a small thatched cottage rented from Maggie Leonard, it stood near the present 1st green. The first proper clubhouse was erected within two years of the club’s foundation on the site of the present building. Made of timber with a corrugated iron roof it measured only 57×47 feet. Fire ravaged the clubhouse and contents on December 30th, 1905. The then Honorary Secretary, W.C. Pickeman was also an insurance broker so it turned out the club was well insured.
Over an expanse of 130 years, Portmarnock Golf Club has played host to some of the game’s most distinguished players, from Harry Vardon to Arnold Palmer, and more recently Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, and Phil Mickelson.
Portmarnock hosted the inaugural Irish Open in 1927 and subsequently staged it on 19 occasions — more than any other venue.
Winners include Severiano Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Ben Crenshaw, and Michael Campbell.
Read MoreHeld May 23-28, 1949, with 204 competitors. Max McCready defeated Willie “The Wedge” Turnesa in the final.
Read MoreJoe Carr held a four-stroke lead after 54 holes but lost to Christy O’Connor’s course-record final round of 66.
I found myself fighting shadows.
— Joe CarrSam Snead and Arnold Palmer claimed victory for America. Ireland’s Christy O’Connor and Norman Drew finished fourth.
I've learned a lot of shots I've never played before in my life.
— Arnold PalmerChristy O’Connor Snr shot a remarkable 73 before play was abandoned. Bernard Hunt won with 283.
One of the greatest rounds in the history of the game.
— Tony JacklinBruce Devlin won by seven strokes with 278, claiming the £23,000 prize.
Paddy Skerritt earned £3,000 — the richest prize for an Irish golfer on home soil at that time.
Read MoreFirst time in Ireland. USA defeated GB&I. Featuring Phil Mickelson’s exquisite wedge play.
Read MoreThe 20th edition featured Portmarnock members Noel Fox and Jody Fanagan against Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Jamie Donaldson, and Henrik Stenson.
Read MoreEurope defeated Great Britain & Ireland for both trophies in this prestigious amateur team event on the windswept links.
Read MoreThe R&A awarded Portmarnock during the club’s 125th anniversary. James Sugrue became the 8th Irishman to win The Amateur.
Read MoreTIMELINE
130+ Years of Championship Golf
Over the last 117 years Portmarnock Golf Club has hosted some of the greatest tournaments in golf. We have welcomed the greatest Amateur and Professional golfers to have played the game, from Arnold Palmer to Padraig Harrington. In an open competition in 1899 the great Harry Vardon established a record of 69 over a course measuring 5,810 yards.
