Lahinch

Founded: 1892

Designer: 'Old' Tom Morris and Dr. Alastair McKenzie

Lahinch
County Clare

Holes: 18
6,753 yards
Par: 72

In 1892 OFFICERS of the famous Black Watch Regiment stationed in Limerick came upon a vast wilderness of duneland two miles from the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Being good Scotsmen, they knew at once that they had found the perfect terrain for a golf links. Since the initial laying out of the course, various improvements have been made over the years. Alexander Shaw was not long in realizing that the unique nature of this location deserved very special development. The obvious choice as architect was Old Tom Morris of St Andrews. He accepted the challenge, but other than laying out the tees and greens, he felt there was little he could do. He commented: 'I consider the links is as fine a natural course as it has ever been my good fortune to play over.' More praise was to follow. In 1927 Dr. Alister Mackenzie was invited to make a number of adjustments to the links. On completion he remarked, 'Lahinch will make the finest and most popular course that I, or I believe anyone else, ever constructed.' Not perhaps the most modest statement ever made, but coming from a man who would very shortly design Cypress Point on the Monterey Peninsula and later help to create the legendary Augusta, it can hardly be taken lightly.