The Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club
That such a superb Irish golf course exists today is due entirely to the vision of a young man from Templenoe, Donal O’Shea. Donal, whose parents originally owned the land upon which the course is built, saw the potential to create what he hoped would become an internationally renowned fixture. That vision has been turned into reality but tragically Donal was killed in a car crash before his dream came true.
When construction started it was soon discovered that most of the land lay on top of a large peat bog. It was decided that the only way to construct the course was to import 250,000 tons of sand and build on top of the peat. This has resulted in “The Ring” having fairways that resemble a links type course but the greens are holding and the Provident Grass ensures a magnificent putting surface all year round.His partner, Dominic Reid, an international financier, continued the concept and brought Tommy McNicholas and the McNicholas Company into the partnership to form a new company, Trentdale, to manage the project. Eddie Hackett, Ireland’s famous course designer, was appointed and The Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club came into being.
Eddie Hackett passed away during the construction period and Trentdale employed another designer to shape the greens. This was not a success as they were remarkably severe, bordering on unfair. As a result the course opened in 1998 to poor reviews and the owners, Trentdale, had to reshape some 14 greens under the supervision of that great American designer, Ron Kirby who had just completed the Old Head of Kinsale.
In 2003, Universal Golf Consulting Ltd took a lease on the management of the course, which lasted up until the end of the 2008 season, to when the owners once again picked up the reigns. Trentdale, with the backing of McNicholas Construction, will continue to ensure the future of the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club, with the aim of further enhancing its facilities and indeed enviable reputation!
The Golf Course – Designed By Eddie Hackett
The architectural brief was to design a ‘world class’ golf course that would challenge competent and experienced players from the back tees, yet be playable and enjoyable for the average handicap player from middle and forward teeing areas. The brief also included that the golf course be to a standard capable of hosting professional golf events, both Irish and European.
Panoramic Views The course boasts panoramic views across Kenmare Bay. Combine this with the beautiful Kerry mountains as a backdrop, and you have one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland. Don’t take our word for it, read what some visitors said about the course.
Awards In 2006, the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club was awarded a prestigious HSBC regional course rankings Gold Medal.
Golf Membership Packages 2012
*Full members of the Ring of Kerry Golf Club also avail of courtesy playing rights at Skellig Bay Golf Club(midweek only Monday – Friday) and Clement Ader Golf Club in Paris**
-No Joining Fee
-2012 Individual Subs (18+) – €215.00 Inc VAT
-2012 Junior Subs (Under 18) – €55.00 Inc VAT
Above rates entitle you to Full Membership of a championship golf course!
Membership benefits include:
-A Kerry Card, which entitles you to discounted Green Fees at other Kerry courses;
-Discounts in all Club outlets;
-Opportunity to participate in all weekly tournaments and events
-GUI Handicap Card status (additional €25 adults / €8 juniors)
-A dual membership bonus with Clement Ader Golf Club near Paris, France
-Midweek (Monday – Friday) courtesy playing rights at Skellig Bay Golf Club
-Discounted midweek (Monday – Friday) green fees at Bantry Bay Golf Club €20
-Reciprocal social membership rights at the famous Stoke Park Golf Club in Windsor, UK
-Reciprocal discounted green fees at Golf de Mogador in Morocco
Price List
High Season Rates
Winter Rates
Society packages are also available
Visitor Quotes
“The Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club is one of my favourite courses in Ireland with its stunning views, challenging layout and great hospitality.”
Sir Ian Botham, Sky Sports Commentator and former England Cricket Captain
“A superb course set amidst the finest scenery in the world.”
Sir Terry Wogan, BBC Television and Radio Presenter
“I have played most of the major championship courses in the world and none betters the Ring of Kerry”
Philip Walton, former Ryder Cup player
“If God restricted me to playing only one course for the rest of my life, it would unquestionably be the Ring of Kerry Golf & Country Club”
Brendan McGovern, former Captain Irish PGA
“Wonderful location; lived up to and surpassed expectations.”
Nick Lanigan, England
“Truly awesome! Wonderful, informative and helpful staff. A great challenge of golf, but manageable in truly amazing scenery.”
Mal Keaveney, Sports Editor/Munster Press Golf Society Captain
“The most beautiful and the most challenging course I have ever played.”
Mrs Pat Garth, England
“Beautiful Course, wonderful setting – most enjoyable day”
P J O’Sullivan, Co Cork.
“Played the Ring in June 2009 and it was by far and away the best presented course of our trip – The greens were superb”
Randy MacDermott, Illinois, USA
11:27 AM
Sue - Kenmare Bay Hotel
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