*Shannon Golf Course.
Shannon Golf Club is located adjacent to Shannon Airport, is truly one of Irelands finest parkland golf courses. It is a tight tree lined parkland course with plenty of obstacles from several water hazards, large bunkers, sloping meandering greens to the thousands of trees that surround the fairways on both sides.
The vision to set up a golf course at Shannon came from Dr William Flynn who became the local Medical Officer at Shannon Airport in 1947. He was an avid golfer who regularly played at Ennis and Lahinch Golf Club. Shortly after his arrival into Shannon, the now famous Shannon Industrial Estate had begun development which led to an influx of foreign companies and workers to flock into the Shannon region, which also led to many new developments of apartments to cater for these workers. Dr. Flynn saw a huge opening to setup a golf club in Shannon with this new influx of workers from all over the world arriving into the Shannon. There were very few activities around for these workers around that time except for a local tennis club. He approached the Shannon Airport Management for the land adjacent to the airport and the rest they say is history.
The club was eventually founded in 1966, with the course being designed by John D Harris. Shannon Golf Club has a history steeped in tradition and community spirit. Situated in the serene landscapes of County Clare, the club was founded by a group of passionate golfers with a vision to create a premier golfing destination that would showcase the natural beauty of the region.
Shannon Golf Club quickly gained recognition for its exceptional course design and warm hospitality. Architect John D Harris commissioned to design the course, which seamlessly integrated the rolling terrain and panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary. His vision resulted in a layout that challenged golfers of all skill levels while offering breath taking vistas at every turn.
Throughout the years, Shannon Golf Club has played host to many prestigious events, attracting top players and enthusiasts from around the world. From amateur tournaments to PGA professional championships, the club has earned a reputation as a venue of incredible stature played by some of the world’s greatest players including Seve Ballesteros, Bernard Langer, Nick Faldo, Greg Norman and our local legend Christy O’Connor Jnr. who was also the Professional at Shannon Golf Club for some time. The club is also a huge supporter of hosting GUI Amateur events regularly and this year is no exception as they will host both the All-Ireland Golf Ireland Men’s Jimmy Bruen and Ladie’s Minor Foursomes this September.
In addition to its exceptional course, Shannon Golf Club has continually invested in world-class facilities to enhance the overall experience for its members and guests. A new state-of-the-art practice areas have been developed along with both an indoor and outdoor fully automotive driving bays have been setup over the recent years, luxurious clubhouse amenities, and fine dining options are just a few of the offerings that set the club apart as a destination worth visiting.
The warm welcome you get from Shannon Golf Club begins from the moment you arrive on site in the car park. Member tying their shoes in the car park always have a smile and a warm welcome when they see a visitor arriving. Once you enter the pro shop Artie Pyke one of Ireland’s long standing, well know PGA Golf Professionals and his team are always a delight to meet and browse through his vast array of equipment in his very well stocked pro shop. In fact, I purchased my own first set of men’s Mizuno forged irons from Artie in 1994 and he was a pleasure to deal with, even though I was only a young kid I have fond memories of that experience of shopping with Artie still to this day.
Mike Corry the Manager since the 90’s is one of the most professional managers I’ve seen to run any club. His hard work over long hours, his gentle approach with people and his passion for Shannon Golf Club is extremely rare to find. When times were tough Mike took and made cuts where necessary and did what any businessperson would do to keep the club going and surviving through the difficult years. However now you can see all those difficult decisions and measures have truly paid off and Shannon is once again a thriving golf club. Make sure to call into the lovely Orla or Mike if you’ve any queries regarding memberships.
When you become a member at Shannon you feel a part of their community and they welcome and introduce so many newcomers into the sport of golf each year. Especially it is great to see so many new lady members starting the game, with the get into golf programme Shannon Golf Club run each year, which include lessons with their PGA Golf Professional Artie Pyke.
The course itself I rate as one of the toughest courses around especially if you attempt to play from the back tees. Not only do you have to be a long hitter but also extremely accurate. Shaping shots is also of the utmost importance and you need to be able to hit fades and draws on a lot of different tee shots. It is a course where you will use every club in your golf bag over the 18 holes, including an odd low punch shot to get out from under those trees that are protecting the entire golf course.
There are so many great holes but one of my favourite holes in golf is the sixth hole, it’s a long Par5 where you have to carve a severe fade off the tee to find the centre of the fairway, otherwise you will have to deal with the trees on the left, should you find the left side you won’t have the option to get home in two. Even if you do find this fairway you are left with a long second shot to a well-protected green, with a lake that wraps around the front right edge of the green. Even if you do hit this green in two a three putt can happen easily on this severely undulating green. The sixth truly is one of Irelands toughest holes in golf.
Usually Par 5 holes is where golfers pick up birdies more easily on a course, however at Shannon you have to take on tight tee shots and commit to tough tight second shots if you are to birdie any of the long Par 5’s. You certainly can’t relax on Par 5’s here like you might at other golf courses.
Another great aspect to Shannon is how true and fast their greens play throughout the year. Pat O’Rourke and his team who have the course in pristine condition. Trying to care for our own small gardens is a monumental challenge with the climate we have in Ireland, not to mention caring for over a hundred acres of parkland. One-week courses are under water followed by the next where irrigation is needed from drought. You truly can get all four seasons in one day not to mention the difference in a week in Ireland, which makes it so incredibly difficult for all greenkeepers out there who deserve huge admiration for the work they do.
Finally, no clubhouse would be complete without some wholesome food and at Shannon Golf Club they deliver nothing but the best. Wholesome good food is all you will receive at this club even thinking about it has my mouth salivating. You always see great support from the local airport workers dining here and it’s no wonder I’ve never had anything but a memorable meal in the clubhouse and it’s a credit to the Gihan’s catering team.
If you’ve not played much at Shannon, I highly recommend booking a tee time this year. Pop into Artie in plenty of time and make sure to use their incredible practice facilities before your round and have a bite to eat you won’t regret dining before and after your round. It’s truly and unforgettable day out.
