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Rossmore Golf Club
On Saturday, April 30th Rossmore Golf Club opened the extension to the Golf course and the person to do the honours was the most senior member of the club - Sean Clerkin. The new holes, 4 in all, were opened and , especially with the good weather, the course was extremely busy. The course has now got the added attraction of having the 9th return you to the clubhouse and it has also added some difficulty, which will be welcome by the big hitters. I hope to play the course on Monday in the Lions Classic and I will give you my verdict after that. I did get a chance to play it a couple of months ago but it would be unfair to say what I thought as work was still in progress. Congratulations to all of those who have had an input into this major project and hopefully their names will be recorded for history, as it is a very big and important step in the history of the Rossmore Club. See below..
The new 2nd Hole as seen from the Tee-box.
A Moment of History
Last Saturday (April 30, 2011) was a day of pride and celebration for Rossmore Golf Club and it members. The work of various committees and officers of the Club over many years came to fruition. The new 4 holes were jointly opened by the most senior member of the Men’s Club, Mr Sean Clerkin and the Lady President. Mrs Binie O Hanrahan.
A large group of members attended the opening and were officially welcomed by the club Captain, Mr Michael Liddle. The Ulster Branch of the GUI was represented by its President, Mr Ivor McCandles. Prayers of blessing were lead by Fr Macartan McQuaid.
Mr Clerkin took the first drive off the new 2nd tee and belied his years with a long, straight drive down the fairway. A large number of members played the newly revamped course in glorious sunshine. Congratulations to all involved in a variety of ways in this project over the past 5 years.
Paul McGinley’s comments
On his recent visit to Rossmore, Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley said:
" I really enjoyed my visit to Rossmore, and the challenges of the course. Rossmore Golf Course has been described as a hidden gem. That was before its recent development and the addition of 4 new holes. I was privileged to play these new holes that were expertly designed by Mel Flanagan. It is now, indeed an absolute gem, but it is also a great test of golf for both low and high handicapper.
Its setting is idyllic and its rural rolling landscape is cleverly used to create an excellent 18-hole course just outside of Monaghan town. The additional holes carved out of adjoining forestry land have vastly improved what was already a visually beautiful course. This new development has added considerably to Rossmore.
The opening 9 holes have only two real opportunities for easy birdie and this is on the 1st and 8th and there is great potential for future development of the 8th hole. The first 7 holes are now, virtually, on the same level, so not too much energy will be expended getting to the back 9. Holes 2 to 6, the new development, are as good a test of golf as you would get on any championship course.
I feel that the new holes will be a wonderful addition to the present ones. I look forward to my next visit and am sure that the members will enjoy the new challenges presented to them”
Above came from Club PRO.
Since then I did play the course and was pleasantly surprised that it was not as difficult as I had anticipated. The 2nd is a lovely hole to play, the 3rd is difficult and the 4th more so unless you get a good drive. The 5th is fine now but when the new Tee box comes into play it will be a long par 5.