FLASHBACK TO 1975: County Armagh Golf Club will celebrate 40 years since it expanded from a nine hole to an 18-hole course on May 3 2015, and to mark the special occasion they are planning a display and exhibition which will include this photograph taken on the day of the new course opening. Pictured are (from left to right), Jim Maxwell (Hon Sec.), Pat Toner (President), Harold O'Rourke (Captain) and Michael Lyons (Vice Captain).
Golf Club in 1975 memorabilia and photographs appeal
COUNTY Armagh Golf Club has launched an appeal for old photographs and memorabilia to help mark a special 40 th anniversary in the club's history.
On May 3 County Armagh Golf Club will celebrate 40 years since it expanded from a nine hole to an 18-hole course, and to mark the special occasion they are planning a display and exhibition.
Club Vice-Captain Martin Oliver is leading plans for the event. “County Armagh is one of the oldest golf clubs in Ireland with golf being played at the course since 1893,” he reveals. “It was a nine-hole course until 1975 when it was expanded to 18 holes and this is an important milestone in the club's history which we are planning to mark in a series of special events throughout this year.
“We would particularly like to present a display of old photographs from 1975 which highlight the course expansion. Anything from that year would be very welcome, and even from 1976 when the course was officially opened as an 18-hole course.
Martin adds: “We are also interested in any memorabilia from that year including the special badge presented to players in May 1975 to mark the occasion. And if anyone has any old memories or recollections from that era, we would also love to hear from them.”
Over 400 people gathered around the first tee for the official opening of the course on May 3 1975. Club Captain Harold O'Rourke drove the first ball down the fairway and the spot where his ball landed is now marked with a granite plaque commemorating the occasion. Over 160 golfers took part in the first competition which was won by Charles Vernon.
A year later in May 1976 the new course was officially opened by Mr Michael McAuley, President of the Golfing Union of Ireland who planted a tree adjacent to the first tee to mark the occasion.
Anyone with old photographs or memorabilia from 1975 should contact County Armagh Golf Club Vice-Captain Martin Oliver on 07717590807.