Established in 1885 Royal Dublin Golf Club boasts a rich history. Initially known as Dublin Golf Club it gained its prestigious Royal title in 1891. Its journey began near the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park. A year later it relocated to Sutton. Finally in 1889 it found its permanent home on Bull Island.
Bull Island a unique sandbank emerged thanks to a sea wall. Captain William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame played a role in its creation. His work on improving Dublin’s harbor resulted in the creation of Bull Island. The island continues to grow even today.
World War I significantly impacted the club. The course became a military training ground. This left the clubhouse dilapidated and the course damaged. Amazingly 10000 pounds in compensation helped rebuild the clubhouse. Harry Colt a renowned golf course architect redesigned the links. He painstakingly removed 64 firing ranges by hand. Colt’s design significantly contributed to the club’s fame.
Tragedy struck in 1943. A fire completely destroyed the clubhouse. A temporary one replaced it but it wasn’t until ten years later that a new one was opened by Taoiseach John A Costello. This new clubhouse stands even today.
Modernization arrived in the 2000s. Martin Hawtree updated the course design. Two new holes were added. Greens were raised improving the course’s quality. The renovation added almost 450 yards to the length of the challenging course. The Royal Dublin Golf Club is now 7269 yards long.
Royal Dublin Golf Club is a prominent venue for golf tournaments. It hosted the Irish Open multiple times. Many golfing greats have played on its course. Old Tom Morris played there. So did Ian Woosnam Ian Baker-Finch and many other world-class golfers. David Feherty even won his first professional tournament here. The club’s legacy extends to famous visitors. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese have all played at the club. Former US President Bill Clinton has also graced its greens.
In 2021 the club voted to allow female membership. This decision marks a significant step in its history. Royal Dublin Golf Club is a world-class links course. It seamlessly blends history tradition and modern golf excellence.