61-530: The Royal Dublin Golf Club , founded in 1885, is Ireland's third oldest golf club. It is a private members' club, with an 18-hole links course on Bull Island , Dublin , Ireland . The championship routing that we recognise today was by designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s. Over a three-year period from 2004 the links was extended under the guidance of golf architect Martin Hawtree . The Royal Dublin Golf Club
122-611: A Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive . It is also a National Special Amenity Area [1] since 1995, one of 3 in Ireland. This recognises both its outstanding beauty and nature conservation values. There is an Interpretative Centre at the end of the causeway on the right-hand side which has displays and information on
183-402: A $ 9,000 copy of the original, was stolen from a British train. Woosnam's last official European Tour victory was in the 1997 Volvo PGA Championship . In the late 1990s, his form began to fade, but he nearly made a spectacular comeback at The Open Championship in 2001, when he finished third despite suffering a two-stroke penalty for starting the final round with 15 clubs in his bag instead of
244-622: A 2017 Irish Times article highlighted the club's restrictive policy with respect to female members in the context of recent changes internationally, with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews's in Scotland ending its policy banning female members in 2014. In 2021 the members of Royal Dublin voted to amend the clubs’ constitution to allow for female membership. Bull Island Bull Island ( Irish : Oileán an Tairbh ), more properly North Bull Island ( Oileán an Tairbh Thuaidh ),
305-550: A Rothschild Reserve. It was the first National Bird Sanctuary, designated in 1931. It has been designated since 1981 by UNESCO as biosphere reserve that is part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve . It is the only Biosphere Reserve entirely in a capital city in the world. In 1988, it was designated a National Nature Reserve . It is of European Union importance, and part of the Natura 2000 Network as both
366-529: A long-running problem with silting, notably at the mouth of the River Liffey . After years of primitive dredging, an attempt to maintain a clear channel more effectively was begun when, in 1715, the first piles were driven of what was to become the Great South Wall , completed in 1730. This barrier was breached by storm action some years later, and in 1761, a stone pier was commenced, working from
427-570: A modern causeway mid-way along, Bull Island is a sand bank formed as a result of the construction of a sea wall in the 19th century. The club occupies lands from the causeway to the centre of Bull Island to the Bull Wall , running from Clontarf to Raheny . The clubhouse and main entrance are at the Clontarf end, and a service entrance at the Raheny end. The club owns its grounds, while the rest of
488-410: A number of terrestrial mammal species on the island for decades, with one becoming extinct in the 2010s and one added. Species include the pygmy shrew , brown rat , red fox , field mouse , hedgehog , European rabbit and Irish hare , the latter having become extinct between 2016 and 2019, while the stoat has been observed since the mid-2010s. There have been claimed sightings of bats also but it
549-469: A plan was proposed to develop the island and the waters between it and the coast. Called the "Blue Lagoon Scheme," this would have included dams and sluices at the Wooden Bridge and Sutton Channel, maintaining a high water level behind the island, which itself might hold some housing or tourism facilities. Further plans were advanced by Bord Fáilte , including the conversion of much of the island into
610-403: A reintroduction programme in the 1990s, their population continued to fall, and has been on the verge of extinction for a period, with only one or two found in surveys undertaken in 2014, no hare has been seen since 2016. During a study of hares on the island during the 1990s, it was concluded that poor breeding success due to disturbance from people and, more seriously, dogs, was the main cause of
671-647: A theme park. In 1931 Dublin Corporation was convinced by campaigners like the Jesuit ornithologist Fr. Patrick G. Kennedy SJ (1881–1966), who wrote An Irish Sanctuary – Birds of the North Bull (1953) , to apply for Bull Island to be made a sanctuary by the government. The island is connected to the mainland by the Bull Bridge, today a one-lane wooden road bridge (with weight and height restrictions) at
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#1732798609606732-473: Is a Welsh professional golfer . Nicknamed " Woosie ", Woosnam was one of the "Big Five" generation of European golfers, all born within 12 months of one another, all of whom have won majors , and made Europe competitive in the Ryder Cup . His peers in this group were Seve Ballesteros , Nick Faldo , Bernhard Langer , and Sandy Lyle . Woosnam's major championship win was at the 1991 Masters Tournament . He
793-531: Is a powerful hitter. He played as an amateur in regional competitions in the English county of Shropshire alongside Sandy Lyle. Woosnam turned professional in 1976 and first played the European Tour in 1979. Woosnam spent his early years on Tour driving around the continent in a camper van, living on a diet of baked beans to save money. After three modest seasons, his career took off in 1982 when he won
854-457: Is an island located in Dublin Bay in Ireland, about 5 km long and 800 m wide, lying roughly parallel to the shore off Clontarf (including Dollymount ), Raheny , Kilbarrack , and facing Sutton . The island, with a sandy beach known as Dollymount Strand running its entire length, is a relatively recent, and inadvertent, result of human intervention in the bay. The island lies within
915-454: Is home to many species of plants, including the bee orchid , pyramidal orchid , Marsh Helleborine , and common spotted orchids . The most important plant type is marram grass , which helps to retain the structure of the dunes. North Bull Island has the most designations of any site in Ireland and its importance for nature conservation has been recognised since 1914 when it was listed as
976-453: Is not clear if there are any roosting sites on the island. Hares, which are believed to have populated the island from the farmlands of Raheny and Kilbarrack, were very common up until the 1960s, but the building of the causeway led to a reduction in their numbers due to disturbance. During the 1970s, fifty to a hundred were still present, but numbers continued to decline, though they were still noted as common at least as late as 1986. Despite
1037-600: The 2006 Ryder Cup , leading Europe to victory over the U.S. 18½–9½ at the K Club , County Kildare, Ireland. On 1 June 2008, Woosnam won his first stroke play title in 11 years at the Parkridge Polish Seniors Championship at Kraków Valley Golf and Country Club, finishing with a course record 63. The tournament was his third appearance on European Seniors Tour , which he joined after turning 50 years old in March 2008. Woosnam went on to win
1098-485: The Ballast Board in 1801, highlighting the potential of the North Bull sandbank. Its purpose was to clear a sandbar by Venturi action . A wooden bridge, the first Bull Bridge , was erected in 1819 to facilitate the construction of a stone wall, based on a design by Ballast Board engineer, George Halpin . Started in 1820, the Bull Wall was completed in 1825, at a cost of £95,000. Over the succeeding 48 years,
1159-600: The Royal Dublin Golf Club , then located at Sutton, sought and received the permission of Colonel Vernon and the Dublin Port and Docks Board to lay out a golf course at the city end of the island and construct a clubhouse. Sometime in the early 20th century, a track suitable for walking and handcarts, running from a slipway at the point where the Howth Road comes from Raheny's village centre down to
1220-603: The Swiss Open and came eighth on the Order of Merit (prize money list). He also finished in the top ten on the Order of Merit every year from 1983 to 1991 and again in 1993, 1996, and 1997, making thirteen times in all. In 1987 and 1990 he was first, and in the former year he set a world record for global tournament earnings of £1,062,662. He has won 28 official money events on the European Tour and many other events around
1281-559: The 1980 Irish National PGA Championship. In fact Royal Dublin hosted the tournament from 1978 through 1980 and was won by Christy O'Connor , Des Smyth and David Feherty respectively. The tournament continues to this day as the Irish PGA Championship which was won by Padraig Harrington the week before both of his British Open victories. Since then the greatest golfers in the world - both professional and amateur - have come to play in some of Ireland's great tournaments at
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#17327986096061342-399: The 2001 final against Harrington, which tied the tournament record of seven successive birdies in a match. Woosnam was a member of eight consecutive European Ryder Cup teams from 1983 to 1997. Despite not winning a singles match he accumulated an overall record of 14 wins, 12 losses and 5 halves in 31 matches. He was a vice captain for the 2002 European team and was elected as captain for
1403-623: The Clontarf / Dollymount area, and a Coast Guard station was built at the landward end of the Bull Wall. A lighthouse sits on the North Bull Wall. The island continued to grow in extent, from the Bull Wall towards Howth Head. In addition to picnics and swimming, the island was used for shooting practice, and in 1880, an international rifle match between Ireland and the USA was held there, with an audience numbering several thousand. In 1889,
1464-556: The Dublin Port Company (and closed for a day each year to ensure that no right of way was created), and the Royal Dublin Golf Club links, only the latter remaining. St. Anne's Golf Club rent from the Council. The bulk of the island comprises the largest park owned by the city. There are just a few residents on the island, in houses beside the wooden bridge built by the Dublin Port Company for its employees. In addition to
1525-613: The EU Birds Directive, and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, while also being the subject of a Special Amenity Area Order. It is a car-free zone. It holds a wide variety of plant and bird species, and a limited range of mammals, one reptile, one amphibian and a modest range of invertebrates; one mammal species, the hare, became extinct in the later 2010s. In times past, Dublin Bay had
1586-855: The European Seniors Tour Order of Merit that year becoming the only person to have won the Order of Merit on both the European Seniors Tour and the regular European Tour. Woosnam was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in early 1987. PGA Tour playoff record (1–0) *Note: Tournament shortened to 54 holes due to rain. Co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia European Tour playoff record (3–5) Korean Tour playoff record (1–0) Other playoff record (1–2) Champions Tour playoff record (1–0) European Senior Tour playoff record (1–1) Results not in chronological order in 2020. CUT = missed
1647-664: The Poolbeg Lighthouse (1768), back to shore, the construction of massive granite blocks being completed in 1795. It was during this period that the building of a North Bull Wall was also proposed, and when it was seen that the South Wall did not solve the silting problem, the authorities responsible for Dublin Port commissioned studies on the matter. Captain William Bligh , of Bounty fame, surveyed Dublin Bay for
1708-496: The River Liffey and other watercourses, and stormwater pollution. As of the 21st century, Bull Island is popular with kite-surfers , with a declared kite-surfing launch area near the Bull Wall, accessed from the wooden Bull Wall Bridge. The shallow water and long stretch of straight beach allow for safe kite-surfing. This has encouraged many beginners to take up the sport on the island. The island has two golf courses ,
1769-627: The abandoned structure. Following the Dublin Bay Water Quality Management Plan programme in the 1990s, there were significant improvements to water quality and in 2006 it was awarded the Blue Flag status for the first time. The area has lost and held Blue Flag status in the years since then. Water quality continues to be affected by several issues, including lack of capacity of existing sewage treatment facilities, excess nutrients flowing into Dublin Bay from
1830-581: The age of 43, Woosnam became the oldest player to win the World Match Play Championship (not an official European Tour event at the time) when he beat Pádraig Harrington 2 & 1 in the final. Woosnam also became the first player to capture the trophy in three different decades, having previously won the World Match Play Championship in 1987 and 1990. Woosnam had a record outward nine holes of 28 (-7) in
1891-436: The allowable maximum of 14. While his caddie, Miles Byrne, was responsible for this error, Woosnam decided at the time not to dismiss him stating: "It is the biggest mistake he will make in his life. He won't do it again. He's a good caddie. I am not going to sack him. He's a good lad." Woosnam did dismiss his caddie two weeks later when, after a night drinking on the town, Byrne failed to turn up to tee-time. Later in 2001, at
The Royal Dublin Golf Club - Misplaced Pages Continue
1952-816: The beach. For about two decades, access by car was limited to a portion of the island near the Bull Bridge and two sections reached from the causeway at Raheny, the latter having ceased in 2016. The strand is historically a popular swimming spot but usage fell sharply as pollution rose in the 1980s, mainly due to sewage and stormwater pollution. There are a series of bathing shelters and lifeguard stations that were designed by Herbert Simms in his role as Dublin Corporation Housing Architect. In July 2021, Dublin City Council demolished one of Simms' lifeguard stations dating from 1934 without notice, citing ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour at
2013-561: The building and, particularly due to trench warfare practice, the island environment as a whole. Late in this period, three local people started to dig golf holes at the Raheny end of the island, and after discussions with the Royal Dublin, and with Lady Ardilaun , formed a new golf club, named, in honour of the Guinness estate, St. Anne's. The first drive-in at what was a nine-hole course until 1989, took place on 1 July 1921. In 1931,
2074-664: The city end of the island, into which the Wad River, and a combination of several smaller watercourses, also flow. A wide range of birds visit Bull Island, with a more limited set nesting there; most are either winter feeders, or pass through in spring and autumn. Wading species include Eurasian curlews , Eurasian oystercatchers and redshanks , while others include shelduck , teal , pale-bellied brent geese , and various gulls. Also encountered are grey plovers , bar-tailed godwits, northern shovellers , little egrets , reed buntings , Common cuckoos and little terns . There were
2135-544: The clubhouses of the two golf clubs, there is the newly re-built Sea Scout den at the Clontarf end, and a small cafe. At the end of the North Bull Wall is the Star of the Sea ( Réalt na Mara ) statue, funded by Dublin Port workers and sailors, and dedicated by the then archbishop of Dublin in 1972. The island continues to grow and it is a possibility that within the next half-century continued deposition may lead to its merging with
2196-492: The coast, was formed. Usable at low tide, this 150m track allowed access to the island for leisure and beachcombing (timber, coal and other items lost overboard from ships accessing Dublin Port were washed up on the island's strand). Between 1906 and 1907, a new Bull Bridge was constructed – it is still standing. Then, in 1912, the Dollymount Sea Scouts (9th Dublin (2nd Port of Dublin)) was formed, taking part of
2257-403: The disused Coast Guard station as their den ("Crow's Nest") – the troop continues to operate from there, now called 5th Port Dollymount. The British Army commandeered the whole island on 5 September 1914, for military training – primarily as a firing range but also for trench warfare practice. The Royal Dublin Golf Club clubhouse was used as officers' quarters and considerable damage was done to
2318-452: The drop-off in numbers. Hares were more vulnerable than other species as they do not shelter in burrows; they are also active in the daytime. The rabbit was also once much more numerous than it is today. In 1991 myxomatosis entered the population and caused devastating losses. Shortly after this, in 1992, rabbit haemorrhagic disease was also found in blood samples taken from sick rabbits. Common seals and grey seals are also found in
2379-739: The exception of three years when the course was undergoing reconstruction. The club regularly welcomes participants in GUI cups and shields. The club has won the Barton Cup, the most prestigious competition in Leinster golf, on five occasions: for the first time in 1946 and again in 1951, 1967, 1979 and 2006. In 1890, just five years after its inception, the Club moved to its current home on Bull Island in Dublin Bay. The links made an immediate impact on
2440-414: The famed links. Famous non-professional golfers who have visited the club, include former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern , the former Presidents of Ireland , Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese , and the former American President , Bill Clinton . The club has faced public criticism for restrictions on membership for women. The club website does not specifically mention restrictions for female members, however
2501-568: The firm of Clayton, de Vries and Pont (CDP) was engaged to audit the course bunkering scheme. The audit investigated the possibility of returning the overall bunker style to something more fitting with the clubs Colt design heritage. In 2022 club members voted to approve the CDP recommendations, works are due to commence in November 2022 lasting several months. The club is on Bull Island in Dublin Bay. Accessed at one end via an old wooden bridge, or via
The Royal Dublin Golf Club - Misplaced Pages Continue
2562-595: The flora and fauna of the island, and there are also information signs to either side of the causeway access, and on the roundabout where the causeway road approaches the beach. The Centre was opened in 1986 and provides a base for many schools and educational groups to visit the Island. It was funded by the European Commission and the Dublin Rotary Club. Dollymount Strand, the 5 km beach on
2623-653: The golfing world. Perhaps the greatest pioneer in the history of the game, Old Tom Morris, came to Royal Dublin and played two matches here on 7 June 1894. Also in that year, Royal Dublin hosted its first championship event, the Irish Amateur Open. The list of great golfers who have played the links is long and distinguished, and includes major winners like Ian Woosnam , Ian Baker-Finch , Curtis Strange , Sandy Lyle , Corey Pavin , Bob Charles and Wayne Grady . In addition, television commentator David Feherty won his first professional tournament at Royal Dublin -
2684-430: The half way cut (3rd round cut in 1982 and 1984 Open Championships) WD = withdrew "T" indicates a tie for a place NT = No tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic CUT = missed the halfway cut WD = withdrew "T" indicates a tie for a place QF, R16, R32, R64 = Round in which player lost in match play "T" = Tied Results are not in chronological order. CUT = missed the halfway cut WD = withdrew "T" indicates
2745-465: The island is city property, including the Wooden Bridge and Bull Wall, which previously belonged to Dublin Port . The Royal Dublin has held the Irish Open six times - in 1931, 1936, 1951, 1983, 1984, and 1985. The Royal Dublin hosted the Irish Amateur Open for the first time in 1894, when it was won by J. Ball Jr. of Royal Liverpool and on many occasions since including continuously since 1998 with
2806-527: The island, is a popular walking and recreational area. The walking of dogs is also popular, though they are supposed to be kept under control, due to the National Nature Reserve status, and in particular to fears of attacks on rabbits and hares. It is possible to walk a circuit that includes the beach and St. Anne's Park. Many people learned to drive on the firm flat sandy foreshore at low tide; there are even (very low) speed limits posted on
2867-401: The jurisdiction of, and is mostly owned by, Dublin City Council , and is managed by the Council's Parks and Landscape Division. Bull Island, which is accessed by way of a causeway bridge from Raheny and a wooden bridge from Clontarf, has the most designations of any site in the country, as a National Bird Sanctuary, a biosphere reserve, a National Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area under
2928-801: The locality, Clontarf, which in Gaelic is Cluain Tairbh meaning the Meadow of the Bull). Captain William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame was, in the early 19th century, one of those invited to solve the long-standing problems of providing shipping with a safe, straight and deep approach into Dublin. As a result, it was decided to build a sea wall three kilometres out from the shore. The resulting sand bank, Bull Island, still continues to grow. The timber bridge
2989-596: The mainland at Red Rock in Sutton , forming a lagoon, changing the make-up of the area's wildlife and landlocking two dinghy sailing clubs. However, the risk of this is considered small due to the strength of currents and depth of water in Sutton Channel. The island is primarily a sand structure approximately 5 km long and under 1 km wide. The southeast-facing side is a flat beach, Dollymount Strand, backed by marram-grass-anchored dunes, scrub and marsh. On
3050-465: The military, and starting in 1919, 64 firing ranges were disassembled by hand, the clubhouse was re-constructed and the links course was redesigned by H. S. (Harry) Colt , the world-famous golf course architect from Sunningdale. On the night of 2 August 1943 the Clubhouse was totally destroyed by fire. Due to delays in finalising development plans for Bull Island, it was not until ten years later that
3111-497: The more famous belonging to the Royal Dublin Golf Club , and the newer, owned by Dublin City Council, operated by St. Anne's Golf Club. Each has a clubhouse with dining facilities. It has been used as a location in many Dublin themed movies such as Neil Jordan 's Michael Collins , Stephen Frears 's The Van , Brendan O'Carroll 's Mrs. Brown's Boys D'Movie and John Carney 's Oscar-winning movie Once . Ian Woosnam Ian Harold Woosnam OBE (born 2 March 1958)
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#17327986096063172-508: The natural tidal effects created by the walls deepened the entry to the Liffey from 1.8 m to 4.8 m. Much of the silt now scoured from the river course was deposited on the North Bull, and a true island began to emerge, with people venturing out to the growing beach. The volume of visitors was increased by the commencement of horse tram services to Clontarf in 1873, and further by the laying of a full tram line to Howth, opening in 1900, with stops in
3233-497: The new clubhouse was opened. Early in the 2000s the membership of the club decided to carry out a renovation of the Colt design. Martin Hawtree was engaged to modernise the classic out-and-back layout. Hawtree's work, delivered between 2004 and 2006 saw the creation of two new holes, the significant raising of the majority of green sites and the addition of around 450 yards to the length of the course, bringing it to 7,268 yards. In 2019
3294-656: The northern side of the Bull, between the island and the mainland, is a large linear saltmarsh complex backed by mudflats all of which are covered at high tide. Several of the city's small rivers and streams enter the bay here, notably the Naniken River , the Santry River , Fox Stream, Blackbanks Stream and Daunagh Water. Furthermore, the city's second-largest river by volume, the River Tolka , has its estuary facing
3355-612: The same year, he emulated his British rivals, Sandy Lyle and Nick Faldo, by winning the Masters Tournament ; the first person representing Wales to ever win a major championship . After winning the Torras Monte Carlo Golf Open in 1991, Woosnam had a decline in form in the second half of the year and said that he was suffering from exhaustion after playing in too many tournaments across the world. In December 1991, his sterling silver Masters trophy,
3416-462: The southern ( Clontarf / Dollymount ) end, and by a broad causeway at Raheny , approximately halfway along, and forms part of Raheny and Clontarf districts. Most of North Bull Island is property of Dublin City Council , after the buying-out of interests such as the Howth Estate, exceptions having included the Bull Wall, the breakwater beyond it, and the wooden bridge to it, which were owned by
3477-532: The surrounding waters and can regularly be seen hauled out on the sand at low tide at the tip of the island near Howth. The island is a breeding site. Harbour porpoise can also be seen sometimes out in the bay. There is a modest population of the common lizard on the island. The common frog has a stable and substantial presence on the island. The island is also home to ground beetles, various species of butterflies and moths, aphids, wasps, snails, spiders and harvestmen, earthworms and woodlice. The island
3538-619: The world. Woosnam placed third in the 1986 Open Championship . In 1987, Woosnam was criticised by antiapartheid campaigners for playing a tournament in Sun City in apartheid South Africa, in contravention of the United Nations cultural moratorium. In 1991, he reached the top of the Official World Golf Ranking , eventually spending a total of 50 weeks as World Number 1 (7 April 1991 – 21 March 1992). In
3599-600: Was built in the autumn of 1819 and the Great North Wall, more popularly known as the Bull Wall, was completed by 1823. The club owns the entire links, covering 65 hectares. During the First World War, the course was taken over by the military and used as a rifle and artillery range, and after the War, the clubhouse was in a very dilapidated condition and the course severely damaged. With £10,000 compensation from
3660-712: Was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017. Woosnam was born in the town of Oswestry , Shropshire in England , and his family lived in the nearby village of St Martin's in Shropshire. Woosnam started playing at the Llanymynech Golf Club , which straddles the Wales-England border. He is short for a male golfer at 1.64 m (5 ft 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 in), but he
3721-495: Was instituted at a meeting held at No. 19 Grafton Street in May 1885, pioneered by a Scottish banker - John Lumsden. Originally called Dublin Golf Club, it received its Royal designation in 1891, when there were 250 members paying an £2 annual subscription (after an entrance fee of 8 guineas). It was originally located near the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park, moved to Sutton after a year, and finally in 1889 moved to its present home on North Bull Island (the name may be derived from
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