Cork Golf Club is one of the southernmost golf courses in Ireland, and is based just five miles outside the city centre of Cork with incredible transport links. 

 

The course, designed originally by Harry Vardon and then touched up by Alister MacKenzie, has several holes that play along the water’s edge, making the middle part of the round very tough. 

 

Along with Vardon and MacKenzie, the likes of Pennick, Thomas and Jones Sr have all had a hand in improving and changing the course in its history. 

 

  

Visit the Cork Golf Club website here.  

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Formed in 1888, Cork Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country. The club moved to its present location at Little Island a decade later.  

 

Initially just four holes, the course was extended to nine holes at the turn of the 20th Century. Harry Vardon then turned up in 1909, and the course was extended to an 18-hole layout. 

 

Following the First World War, renowned golf course architect Alister MacKenzie proposed changes, including three brand new holes.  

 

Frank Pennick, Dave Thomas and Robert Trent Jones Sr have all had a say in further changes at Cork Golf Club over the years.  

Following all those changes and renovations, the 18-hole layout at Cork Golf Club now pushes past the 6,800-yard mark from the tips and plays as a Par 72. There are three par 3s and three par 5s, with only the 5th hole being more than 510 yards. There are times where Lough Mahon comes into play. 

 

For the shorter hitters, the 1st is a gentle opener. For the longer hitters, there are three fairway bunkers that could come into play. The 2nd is the first of those three par 5s, and with out of bounds down the right side, a straight drive is needed. At just 305 yards, the 3rd seems like it will provide a good birdie opportunity. However, with the water on your right and behind the green, it is more difficult than it seems.  

 

From the 4th onwards, the course starts to bare its teeth. The 4th also features Lough Mahon on its right and at 450 yards from the tips, it is the hardest hole on the course. The 5th is the longest hole at Cork, measuring almost 580 yards. It also plays along the edge of the lough, so coming away from the 5th with a par is a great result. Aim at the ‘Spion Kop’ down the blind 6th hole. It is only 330 yards, so if you find the fairway then it is a good birdie opportunity, and it provides some momentary respite in your round.  

 

From there, the 7th is a 215-yard par 3, the first on the course. 8 plays as a right to left dog-leg and at 440 yards, it is a tricky hole. The front nine finishes with another par 3, with a pair of bunkers short of the green. The closing nine at Cork begins with the second hardest hole on the course, as the fairway pinches in the landing zone. 11 is the last par 5 and at less than 500 yards, it is one of the easier holes around the turn. The 11th hole at Cork features the ‘Spanish Chestnut’. The tree was planted where Seve Ballesteros’ drive landed when he played the course in 1983.  

 

The 12th is only 330 yards, but plays as a sharp dog-leg to the right. Longer hitters will take off more of the corner. The 13th is the last par 3 at Cork, and is played through a corridor of trees, while the 14th has one of the widest fairways on the course. Four fairway bunkers are in the way down the 15th, with accuracy off the tee also being key down the 16th. The final two holes at Cork are also tough par 4s, with the last being a slight dog-leg right and playing more than 425 yards from the tips.  

Where is Cork Golf Club located?  
Cork Golf Club is one of the southernmost golf courses in all of Ireland. Located in County Cork, the venue is a couple of miles east of the city of Cork. The course is located on the banks of Lough Mahon and just a couple of miles from Fota Island – which earns a spot on both the NCG Top 100s: Ireland and GB&I Golf Resorts lists.  

 

Cork Kent Station is just five miles west of Cork Golf Club, with regular trains running through. Trains come from Mallow in the west across to Cobh and Midleton, passing through Cork in the process. For international visitors, Cork Airport is just ten miles to the southwest of the golf club, and there is a range of flights to the United Kingdom and Europe. The airport, which services the southern section of the country, is the second busiest in the entire island, behind Dublin and Belfast International.  

What golf facilities does Cork Golf Club offer?
Along with the golf course, Cork Golf Club is also home to a practice area between the 15th and 16th holes. There is no driving range, but this area allows for mid-long irons to be hit. The club also has a putting green by the 1st tee for those finishing touches.  

What are the green fees at Cork Golf Club?  
The price of a green fee at Cork Golf Club changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.  

 

For more information on current green fees at Cork Golf Club, visit their website here. 

 

  

Visit the Cork Golf Club website here. 

Go Back To NCG's Top 100s Homepage.