A Very Warm Welcome
It is a tremendous honour for us to serve as Captains of Lahinch Golf Club for the 2025 season. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to all our members, their guests, and visitors from near and far throughout the coming year.
Founded in 1892, our Championship Course was originally laid out by the great Old Tom Morris and later refined in 1926 by the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie. In more recent times, Dr Martin Hawtree has sympathetically restored the course to its natural beauty, ensuring it remains a world-class golfing experience. A true links, it is defined by dramatic dunes, sweeping views over Liscannor Bay, and the ever-changing Atlantic weather — all of which combine to deliver both a test and a joy for golfers of every level.
Martin O’Sullivan, Captain 2025
Lahinch has the distinction of being the permanent home of the South of Ireland Championship, first played in 1895. In recent years, “The South”, as it is affectionately known, has reaffirmed its status as Ireland’s premier Amateur Open Championship. It has been won by Major Champions Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke, as well as Ryder Cup Captain and honorary Club member, Paul McGinley. Another former Ryder Cup Captain and three-time Major winner, Pádraig Harrington, claimed the Irish Amateur Close Championship the last time it was held at Lahinch.
The Championship Course is consistently ranked among the finest in the world, and over the years has welcomed many of the game’s top players. We have recently completed the installation of a cutting-edge irrigation system and continue to invest in the course’s playability and presentation, ensuring that every round at Lahinch is a memorable one.
We are also proud of our neighbouring Castle Course, which offers a true links experience in its own right, featuring high-quality greens and a collection of challenging, enjoyable holes. Together with our short game academy and state-of-the-art indoor performance centre, Lahinch offers superb facilities for those keen to sharpen their game.
Marjorie Ahern, Lady Captain 2025
In 2019, Lahinch had the privilege of hosting the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which featured fifteen of the world’s top 50 players and concluded with a thrilling victory for Jon Rahm. Played in glorious weather, the event was further distinguished by the warm festivities in the village — a reminder of why Lahinch is often referred to as the “St Andrews of Ireland”, thanks to its unique setting and the heartfelt welcome extended by our local community. Later that same year, we proudly hosted the Home Internationals, featuring the top amateur players from across these islands.
In 2024, we welcomed the Arnold Palmer Cup to Lahinch, showcasing elite university and college golfers from the USA and the Rest of the World. The standard of golf on display was exceptional, and the event was decided in a thrilling, closely contested match. It was a genuine privilege to work alongside the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation in delivering such a memorable occasion, and we are confident many of the players involved will go on to emulate their illustrious predecessors on the world stage.
Last year also saw Lahinch host the Women’s International Team Challenge, with participation from both sides of the Atlantic — another celebration of the global spirit of amateur golf.
Looking ahead, we are delighted to be preparing to host the Walker Cup in 2026, one of the most prestigious team events in the amateur game. It promises to be a landmark moment in the Club’s storied history.
Our clubhouse development project is currently well underway and will deliver greatly enhanced facilities for both members and visitors. Phase One is expected to be completed by end of May 2025, with Phase Two scheduled for Spring 2026.
As your Captains for 2025, we warmly welcome you to what, we are confident, will be another outstanding season at Lahinch. While construction and renovation works are ongoing, every effort will be made to ensure that they do not impact your experience at the Club.
Our members, staff, and the local community all look forward to greeting you and ensuring your visit is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
Enjoy your golf.
Marjorie Ahern & Martin O’Sullivan
Captains, 2025