Clones Golf Club

Clones Golf Club was established in 1912 when a lease for land to construct a golf course was signed with Mr Bamford at Lisnaroe. The course measured 2330 yards and the greens, constructed by flattening the land with a roller were fenced with wire to protect them from wandering animals. The lease allowed the greens to be mowed but not the fairways as they were reserved for grazing for the cattle. The lease also prohibited golf on Sundays. The prohibition of Sunday golf and the grazing of cows on the land became contentious issues and in 1928 the club moved to its present site at Hilton Park. The course which is essentially the same as the first nine holes today was designed by an eminent golf architect, Mr Combe and the greens were laid by the green keeper, Frank McPhillips over a 3 year period. Things remained static for the next 60 years until, in 1988 the then secretary Mr Taylor who was eager to keep up with the times inspired the committee and the general membership to embark on a program of development. Over the next 12 years in co-operation with Mr John Madden the existing nine holes were purchased another 65 acres of land was acquired and 9 additional holes, designed and constructed by Dr Arthur Spring was officially opened by Barry McGuigan on 1st August 2001. In 2005 another 2 holes were brought into play and the club must be unique in being one of the few 20 hole courses in these islands. The course which is set in rolling woodland is now highly acclaimed and is an ideal venue for the society golfer. Visitors to our club are always made very welcome and are extremely well looked after by our senior bar person Mary. After an enjoyable round of golf they can relax over a drink or a meal in our homely and newly refurbished Clubhouse.