Course History
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.
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. 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 6647 yards with a par
of 72. Off the yellow markers the course measures a more modest 6295
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 5524 yards with once again a par of 72.
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!
GUI Cups and Shields Finals 2003
Irish Senior Ladies Open Amateur Championships 2008
|
|
|
|
