The club was formed in 1908 and had three separate locations each with nine holes. By the mid-sixties land was sought for an 18 hole course. Lord Sligo of Westport House Estate proposed to the members of the golf club that they build a championship course on his estate.
During the following years, there was much deliberation and debate. With financial assistance from the Irish Tourist Board 250 acres on Lord Sligo’s estate were acquired. The golf architect Fred Hawtree was commissioned to design an 18 hole championship course.
Construction started in 1971, continued until 1973 and was officially opened by Taoiseach, Mr Liam Cosgrave in 1975.
(7072 yards, Par 73)
Westport Golf Course is one of Ireland’s finest parkland courses. Located a 5-minute drive from the town, the course is set in the scenic splendour of undulating parklands on the shores of Clew Bay and in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain.
With five par-five holes Westport is a demanding track that will test even the longest hitting players off the tee. The opening six holes are somewhat benign, then you have a special parkland cavorting along on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Upon first viewing the site, Fred Hawtree commented: "the nature of the terrain part inland and part seaside, the panorama it commands and its considerable golfing virtues, make it uniquely attractive and memorable”.
On an overall assessment, the back nine at Westport is probably the most memorable, with the best being the run of holes from the 12th to the 15th.
445 Yards. Par 4, index 4
The course now gets more difficult and you need two accurate shots to reach the elevated putting surface.
The green slopes considerably from back to front and is well protected by two large bunkers.
435 yards, Par 4, index 2
A difficult par four with a dogleg slightly left to right.
A precision approach shot is needed to hold the two-tiered green.
The green slopes away on the left to a pond. When the prevailing south-westerly wind is blowing the green can be out of reach in two.
185 yards, par 3, index 8
A long par three requiring an accurate tee shot.
The green is well protected by three large bunkers.
The putting surface slopes deceivingly from back to front and left to right.
423 Yards, par 4, index 3
The tee shot is best played up the right side of the steep fairway to get a view of the green for the approach shot.
The second shot must navigate a fairway that slopes severely from left to right.
There is a strategically placed bunker before the somewhat elevated green that is difficult to hit and hold.
220 Yards, Par 3, index 7
There is a great view from the tee with a backdrop of Westport Harbour and Clew Bay.
A long par three that needs careful club selection and accuracy, particularly if the wind is blowing.
437 yards, par 4, index 1
From the tee the fairway doglegs severely from right to left, two good shots are needed to reach the green in two.
Bunkers and trees await to punish any wayward shot.
182 yards, par 3, index 11
A testing par three with Croagh Patrick in the background.
The green slopes severely left to right and back to front.
Good putting is required to make par.
544 yards, par 5, index 5
A 200-yard carry is needed across an inlet in Clew Bay to avoid a watery grave.
The fairway then doglegs from right to left.
The green has considerable run offs on both sides with the sea and out of bounds lurking along the left hand side.
555 yards, par 5, index 9
From the tee, you need to avoid the fairway bunkers on the left-hand side of the fairway.
The green is on three levels and is narrow and long. An accurate approach is required.
Considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. The tradition of pilgrimage to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day. Its religious significance dates back to the time of the pagans when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season.
It is renowned for its Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD and the custom has been faithfully handed down from generation to generation.
County Mayo's premier tourist destination.
Visitors come to visit for the scenery, the pubs and restaurants in the town, blue flag beaches, and Croagh Patrick.
Its proximity to Connemara, Achill, Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, and its hotels and guest houses, make it a base for holidaymakers to tour the region.
If you would like to book a custom golfing holiday in Ireland, contact us to discuss your needs.
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