The Island

In September 1887, four men rowed across the channel which separates the North County Dublin village of Malahide from the spur of land to the north known locally as “The Island” . The land, a natural golfing terrain, convinced the men to create a links course and the club was founded in 1890.

The course they laid out among the high sand dunes was wonderful, they only crossed hills when they had to and in many cases played along the hills. Many years after modern golf demanded change. The redesigning of the Island by Fred Hawtree and Eddie Hackett cut blind shots, provided more length and in the end the concensus was a course that retained its original characteristics as a charming links.

Since then the Island has hosted the Irish Ladies Amateur Championship in 1911 and 1990, the Mens Irish Amateur Championship in 1998 and the Smurfit P.G.A. Irish Professional Championship in 1999.

One of the most memorable holes on the course is the 13th, a ferocious Par 3 over 210 yards. Scenic views over Broadmeadow Estuary to the mainland is made all the more memorable when the wind whips up off the cliff face from the sea. It’s not uncommon for full blooded three woods to come up short!

The Island strives to provide the best golf experience with the term “Natural golf links” most often used to describe it. Leaving the last word to Lionel Hewison, “The air, the views, the social friendliness all combine to make The Island as pleasant a seaside course as you could find anywhere.”.