History Of Rossmore Golf Club
Founded in 1916 Rossmore Golf Club is located three miles south east of Monaghan.
From the highest point of the course there is a panoramic view of much of the northern part of the island of Ireland from Slieve an larann in Leitrim through Slieve Cuilceagh and Slieve Beagh into the Sperrins in Tyrone and Derry.
From the 16th tee box Slemish, Glen Head and the Creevy Mountains, sixty miles away in Antrim, are visible with Divis mountains near Belfast taking up the background.
With its undulating fairways, its numerous streams and lakes, this parkland course offers the ideal golfing combination of challenging yet enjoyable golf over its 18 holes. The course is playable all year round and visitors are assured the warmest of welcomes.
Ros or Ross means a point of land or wood. Mór is the Irish word for big. Hence the word ‘Rossmore’ fits the description of a large wood which was often a feature of a walled estate so typical of 19th century Ireland. Encompassing much natural beauty of lakes, streams and forest, the Rossmore estate was home to the Westenra family, Barons of Rossmore. The golf club owes its existence to to the geneosity of this family.
In 1916 a number of of citizens of Monaghan town decided to start a golf club. THey approached the right Honourable Derrick Warner William, fifth Lord Baron Rossmore with a request that he should lease them part of his demesne. Lord Rossmore agreed to let 65 acres to the trustees of the club at the nominal rent of one shilling (2.5 pence) per year. Also included in the letting was a gate lodge that was used as the club house. A meeting, over which Lord Rossmore presided, was held in the western Arms Hotel on the 16th of August 1916 and the Golf Club was formed.
A mysterious fire destroyed the gate lodge in 1925 and many members lost golf clubs and equipment. Damages amounting to £1,262 were awarded to the club and the members and with this money a new club house was built. It was opened in 1927. This clubhouse survived until 1984 when the present clubhouse was opened.
The original course was nine holes but it was extended to 18 holes in 1992. Since then several holes have been re-designed to make more use of the many lakes and streams and rivers throughout the course. Now with so many challenging holes it has championship potential and will test the best of golfers.
Many famous people and notable golfers have played at Rossmore: Fred Daly (ex British Open and Ryder Cup) was a regular visitor, Darren Clarke suffered defeat at the hands of Rossmore Club Members during his amateur inter-club days, while Norman Drew (ex walker and Ryder Cup) was club professional for a number of years.
