The Ballybunion Golf Club is a golf club in

County Kerry County Kerry ( gle, Contae Chiarraí) is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and forms part of the province of Munster. It is named after the Ciarraige who lived in part of the present county. The population of the co ...

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...

. Founded in 1893, the club had barely opened its doors before experiencing financial problems. An investment from Colonel Bartholomew saved the club in 1906, and nine new holes were promptly laid out. By 1927 the course had been expanded to 18 holes. Considered one of the finest links courses in the world, Ballybunion's reputation grew over time. Unfortunately, its remote locale on the Irish southwest coast has prevented the course from being selected for many top championship events. Still, a number of the world's best players have found their way to the famed course. One, in particular, has had a lasting impact. Tom Watson first visited Ballybunion in 1981 and has returned often. In 1995, he remodeled Ballybunion into the course that exists today. Ballybunion was ranked by ''

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'' in 2005 as the seventh best course in the world outside the

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. Ballybunion's success has led to new visitors from around the world booking tours of this and many other golfing jewel locations. However, Ballybunion houses not one but two courses; those being The Old Course and The Cashen Course. * The Old Course has a length of (Blue Tees) and 6,350 yards (White Tees). Ladies Tees are 5,459 yards. Par: 71 Men / 74 Ladies. * The Cashen Course has a length of yards (Blue Tees) and 5,997 (White Tees); Ladies Tees are 5,031 yards. Par: 72 Men & Ladies. Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1984. The Old Course hosted the Irish Open on the

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, won by

Patrik Sjöland Patrik Sjöland (born 13 May 1971) is a Swedish professional golfer. Early life Sjöland was born in Borås. Professional career He turned professional in 1990 and after several season on the second tier Challenge Tour, graduated to the Europe ...

. During his second term,

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played the course in September 1998. A statue of him with a golf club in the town of

Ballybunion Ballybunion or Ballybunnion () is a coastal town and seaside resort in County Kerry, Ireland, on the Wild Atlantic Way, from the town of Listowel. Tourism Ballybunion has two main beaches, divided by the Castle Green. The Ladies Beach is to ...

commemorates the visit. After leaving office, he returned in May 2001. The club is located south of town on Sandhill Road.

References

External links

* 1893 establishments in Ireland Golf clubs and courses in the Republic of Ireland Golf in County Kerry Sports venues in County Kerry Irish Open (golf) venues Sports clubs in County Kerry Sports venues completed in 1893 {{Ireland-sports-venue-stub