Mullingar Golf Club

History

Originally called Westmeath Golf Club and founded in 1894, the first members played on what is described as “a small course” on the site of Mullingar Race Course. In 1903, the club moved to a nine-hole layout just north of Mullingar town and golf was only permitted in the winter months as the farmer who owned the land needed the use of it in the summer which resulted in a major drawback. 120 acres of lush, rolling parkland was secured at Belvedere in 1934 and the club moved to its present home in 1937. The legendary course designer, James Braid, designed the course at Belvedere. The course has been upgraded over recent years and a new short game facility will be ready for play in 2017. The signature hole is the par 3 second measuring 209 yards with an elevated green guarded on three sides by deep bunkers. Christy O'Connor (Snr) the legendary Irish golfer proclaimed it the best parkland par 3 in Ireland. Mullingar Golf Club has become synonymous with high quality golfers after the club members in 1963 organised a Scratch Cup competition. From the outset they were very ambitious and convinced the best amateurs in Ireland, Great Britain and Europe to compete in the competition. The Scratch Cup is a 72 hole stroke play competition played over 2 days. Past winners include Joe Carr, the inaugural winner, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Rory McIllroy.