Lisburn Golf Club, Co Antrim. (1890 - 1973)

Golf was first played at Lisburn in 1890.

The Irish Times in September 1934 stated that the club played “On a portion of land used by the club today, formerly part of the Manor House Park, a small band of enthusiasts started to play golf in 1890.  The prime mover was a Scotsman Mr Hugh Shaw” This club continued until 1896.

Below is the result of a Ladies’ match played against Killymoon in November 1892.

 

Lisburn Golf Club, County Antrim. Ladies' match played at Lisburn in November 1892.

From the Belfast News-Letter Wednesday November 30th 1892. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

It was reported in December 1892 that the Lisburn Golf Club had become the eleventh member of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Below is the result of a match played at Fortwilliam in March 1895.

 

Lisburn Golf Club, County Antrim. Result of a match played at Fortwilliam in March 1895.

From the Northern Whig Thursday 14th March 1895. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

The club was revived in 1905 with a 20 year lease for 40 acres of land at the original location at Longstone Street. President of the club was Harold A M Barbour M.A. and the captain George H Clarke.

 

Lisburn Golf Club, County Antrim. Report on the revived club in May 1905.

From the Belfast News-Letter Wednesday 3rd May 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

 

Lisburn Golf Club, County Antrim. Competition played on the Lisburn course May 1932.

From The Belfast News-Letter Tuesday May 17th 1932. Image © Illustrated London News Group. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

 

Only three presidents served the club from 1905 to the 1960s; Harold Barbour (from 1905 to his death in 1938) donated two trophies to the club the Barbour Cup and the Hilden Cup; Rt. Hon. Sir Milne Barbour (succeeded him until his death in 1951); Dr Richard McCandless J.P to 1962.   

In the early years the holes were named as follows; Hole one – Alpha; two – Shelter; three – Punch Bowl; four – Cottage; five – Sheep Pen; six – Spion Kop; seven – Catch-my-Pal; eight – Crescent; nine – Omega.

 

Lisburn Golf Club, County Antrim. The clubhouse and golf course.

The earlier Lisburn clubhouse and golf course.

 

Following WW2 the secretary was W H Greenfield, 12 Locksley Park, Finaghy. The professional was W J Clarke. The nine-hole course had a SSS and Par of 71. Membership was listed at 300. Visitors’ fees were 3/- a day, Saturdays 5/-. Sunday play was not allowed. The station was quarter of a mile away.

In the mid 1950s the secretary and professional were as before. There was now a green-1973keeper name W Johnston. Course records were; amateur, E N Williams 68; professional, F Daly 66. The total course measured 5,946 yards. Visitors’ fees had risen to 5/- a day, Sunday play still not allowed.

In the early 1960s the secretary was J H F McCarrison. The professional and greenkeeper was W J Clarke. Sunday play (with members) 4/-.

By the mid 1960s there was no professional listed, the greenkeeper was D Kidd. Visitors’ fees were, 7/6 a day, weekends and holidays 10/-.

 

1960/70s course layout.

 

Above is the layout of the course in the 1960/70s with Longstone Street to the south; the clubhouse is at the entrance with the first tee to the left and the ninth green to the right.

Card of the course as follows; Hole one – 406 yards, bogey 4; two – 293 yards, 4; three – 334 yards, 4; four – 221 yards, 3; five – 135 yards, 3; six – 450 yards, 5; seven – 476 yards, 5; eight – 306 yards, 4; nine – 368 yards, 4. Total yards (9 holes) 2,989 yards. 

In 1972 the secretary was still J McCarrison. The course now measured 5,978 yards with a SSS of 68. There was a membership of over 550. Course records; amateur, K Burns 67; professional F Daly 66. Visitors’ fees were 85p during the week. 

The club moved to its present location at Blairs Lodge in June 1973.