Mahee Island Golf Club - History Information

Index:

A NEW LANDLORD.Most notably during the early 60’s period, the course came under new ownership when Mr. & Mrs. Chamberlain purchased the land. At that time, Mr. Andrews came to live in the farmhouse, and a wall was built across the road to the Golf Club. Mr. Chamberlain kindly made available the “lower” road and provided two men to assist with the clearing and repairing it to give access to the Club. The task of preparing and laying out the present Car Park was begun, once again Willie Marshall the Green keeper was heavily involved. The new Landlord made some changes to the Course by planting trees between the shore and the 9th Fairway, and the “triangle” of trees to the right of the 3rd Fairway. The piece of land directly in front of the Farm- house was fenced off; this meant the loss of the “lower” Tee at the first Hole. The new Tee, which is still in use, was extended and enlarged and became the official 1st Tee. Work was still progressing on the Course, and the Council’s decision to have water laid to each Green was a wise one and improved the Greens greatly. Appreciative comments were made and recorded at the 1963 A G M. The Club lost two more of the “pioneers” both of whom had played “big” parts in the early years. In late 1964, Mr. Cather died. No one can fully appreciate the contribution this gentleman made to Mahee Island Golf Club, without his imagination it would not have been born, without his business- like approach it would not have grown. In the early 1930’s, his was the inspiration that guided the Club and ensured its success. Council was shocked at his sudden passing for he had been present at the previous Monthly Meeting. Then a year later Mr. Alex Johnston died, the original landowner and very generous benefactor of the Golf Club, without who very little would have been achieved at all. In the Minutes Council recorded, its sadness at his death and the gratitude of the whole Club for his contribution to the Golf Club. The late 60’s saw the beginning of the golf “Boom” and Mahee Island like most Clubs grew in size. It became evident that some more comfortable accommodation was needed. The existing changing room was a converted farm building and the small Tearoom was not adequate when entertaining visiting teams. The Council of that time realized the situation and made a decision that would certainly have received the “blessing” of the early pioneers of the Club. Plans were drawn up and permission obtained to erect the first purpose built Clubhouse in the Club’s history. Mr. W T Watt was secretary and had been at the forefront during the planning and building stages, how fitting that Bill should be Captain when the new building was formally opened by The Right Honorable J L O Andrews in 1969. Saturday 6th September, was selected as the Opening Day and it was quite a big occasion for the Club, besides the normal official ceremony and speeches, it had been planned to have an exhibition match by four Professionals. However, during the initial discussion with Norman Drew, one of the Professionals who it was hoped would play in the Exhibition suggested that a Pro/Am type competition might be more popular. Norman was a “World Class” golfer, who had played in Walker Cup matches as an amateur, then Ryder Cup and Canada Cup,( now the World Cup). The Pro/Am proved so popular that it continued to be held each year for the next 11 years. Other Clubs “copied” the idea, but the Mahee Island Club was always accepted as the originator and many a young struggling Professional appreciated the money he won at these Competitions. Sponsorship was quite generous and the prize fund rose to £1500, which was considerable in those days. A number of quite notable Professionals took part over the years, besides Norman Drew and Fred Daly; Ernie Jones (Royal County Down) was a keen competitor and indeed the first winner. David Jones and David Feherty, two of the then “young guns” began their early professional careers in these Pro/Ams. Legend has it that David now a star C B S golf commentator still has the original cheque won at Mahee. The legendary Christy O’Connor paid a visit in 1979. In the company of the Club Captain Eric Trevorrow, Christy carded a 68 with a ball” Out of Bounds” at the 5th Hole, where his “caddie” suggested a nine iron for the second shot, which flew far over the Green. The Treasurer, Rodney McCormick, Malcolm Mercer and Jim Middleton were involved in the organisation of this annual event which helped put Mahee Island on the “map” and did much to increase the popularity of the Course.