History of Lisburn Golf Club

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• Debate surrounds the foundation of Lisburn Golf Club. A Club was inaugurated in the town in 1880 and affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland. However, it had a short life going out of existence in 1885/86. The Club under its present constitution was, in fact, founded in 1905. For the next 68 years it occupied a compact nine hole course at Longstone Street in the heart of Lisburn. The present Governor’s Road bisects what was the first fairway on that course. Indeed a few of the majestic lime trees which were such a feature of the course, and which hampered many a shot on the first and ninth holes, are in evidence to this day.
To view the handbook of the old Longstone Course, please click here.
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During the 1950’s and 1960’s this old course became encircled completely by housing and other developments. Trespass from neighbouring housing estates became a serious problem and the search began for an alternative site on which a new course could be developed. Astute Club Councils in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s placed the Club in the position to sell the land at Longstone Street and purchase the 124 acres at Blaris Lodge which is now home to the Club. Commendable foresight was exercised by engaging, as architect for the course at Blaris Lodge. F W Hawtree and Son, one of the foremost golf course designers of the day. It is a testament to Fred Hawtree’s architectural skills that his original plan for the course remains virtually unaltered since he first walked round the farm at Blaris and sketched it on the back of an envelope! The course at Blaris Lodge was opened for play on the 6th June 1973 when the then Captain, W N McNally, had the privilege of the inaugural drive from the first tee (pictured right). The official opening ceremony was performed on 1st September 1973 by Mr P J McPolin, President of the Golfing Union of Ireland. Hawtree achieved what most golfers would regard as an ideal layout with two loops of nine holes, each starting and finishing at the Clubhouse and each composed of two par fives, two par threes and five par fours. The total length of the competition tees is 6604 yards with a par of 72.Off the yellow markers the course measures a more modest 6231 yards and relative to the competition tees is probably easier than the shot difference which the card indicates. The measurement from the ladies’ tees is 5538 yards with once again a par of 72.
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Early development of the course focused on the installation of a drainage system which has continued to be progressed up to the present day. This was followed by an extensive tree planting programme, while more recently particular attention has been paid to teeing areas, many of which have been defined by retaining walls faced in stone. Extensive areas have been planted out with decorative shrubs which have further complimented Hawtree’s excellent design. The attractions of the course are further enhanced by its strategic position close to the M1 and A1 roads giving easy access from all parts of the country.

The course record of 64 is held by David Feherty. In the Ulster Professional Championship played at Lisburn in 1989 David recorded a four round aggregate of 262 (65, 64, 68 and 65). Needless to say he won the Championship by 18 shots! The amateur course record is 65, set in September 2016 by Chris Moulds. The previous record of 66 had been set in 2013 by Ryan Symington.

To view the course record and other great scores at Lisburn, please click here

Other significant events in the Club’s History include the GUI Cups and Shields Finals 2003, the Ulster Boys Championships in 2005, the GUI Jimmy Bruen Finals in 2007, the Ulster Girls Championships, the Irish Youths Championships and the Irish Senior Ladies Championships in 2008, the National Fire Services Tournament in 2009, the ILGU Ulster Inter-club Championship in 2012 and most recently, the GUI Irish Boys Championship in 2013. The Club also reached another milestone in 2013, celebrating 40 Years at Blaris. The same year also saw Past Captain and Past President Mr. Ivor McCandless elected as President of the Golfing Union of Ireland, having previously served as Chairman of the Ulster Branch.
2015 has proved to be the most successful year for Club teams with the Ulster Fourball Team winning the prized Salver and the Junior Foursomes Team winning both the Ulster Final and the All Ireland National Final claiming the first green pennant in the Club's 110 year history. In local recognition, the Ulster Fourball Team were named Senior Team of the Year by Sport LCCC and the Junior Team won both the inaugural Ulster Star Team of the Year and the Sport LCCC Junior Team of the Year awards. Most recently in 2016, Club Juveniles teams have been successful in winning the Ronan Rafferty and Craigavon Cups and in 2017, the Fred Daly Team were Ulster Champions and Runners-Up in the All Ireland Final.

Cups and Trophies

Lisburn Golf Club has an excellent heritage with regard to its Cups and Trophies, some of which date back to the foundation of the Club. The Club has also experienced success in various inter-club competitions.
For the first time, the winners of all Cups and Trophies and our Inter-Club successes have been compiled into a single list to allow a leisurely review of these details.
Readers may notice that the records are not entirely complete, however, if anyone can assist in any way with regard to completing the winners lists or by advising on the provenance of any Cup or Trophy, this would be greatly appreciated. Please contact the Hon. Secretary via the Club Office.

To view the Lisburn Cups & Trophies Record, please click here
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