Fota Island Golf Club is just a few minutes drive from Cork City’s international airport and passenger ferry terminal. Located in the heart of a 780 acre estate which is included in “The Inventory of Outstanding Landscapes in Ireland”. The splendid woodlands are woven into three challenging championship courses which are very much in the traditional mode, featuring strategically placed bunkers and undulating putting surfaces.
The History of Fota Island Golf Club
It would appear that golf was first played at Fota Island as far back as the 1800’s. In 1993, a new course was developed at Fota Island, designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jr. and twice English Amateur Champion Peter McEvoy. While essentially a resort course, we have hosted a number of tournaments, including the Irish Club Professional Championship, the Irish PGA Championship and no fewer than three Irish Amateur Opens.
At the beginning of 1998 Fota Island Golf Club was under the direction of Jeff Howes Golf Designs upgraded to European Tour Standards. Following an 18 month multi-million Euro programme that saw the rebuilding of all 18 greens, the redevelopment of all tees and the redesign of several of the holes, the course reopened in September 1999. This paid dividends with the Deerpark Course playing host to the Irish Open in 2001 & 2002, won by Colin Montgomerie and Soren Hansen respectively.
The renowned Fota Island Golf Academy opened in 2006, in time for the European Seniors Tour’s Irish Open which was won by Sam Torrance. July 2007 saw the addition of 9 more holes designed by Jeff Howes. The Golf Club boasts three championship standard golf course configurations. The original Deerpark – Par 71, Belvelly – Par 72 and Barryscourt – Par 73.
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