Course Stories – Volume 6
Interesting Tidbits from Across the Pond
Our Course Stories series on YouTube chronicles the unique holes, history, traditions, and tales from the great golf courses across the pond.
These short stories cover a variety of interesting topics that aren't usually found in the course guide or on the club website.
If you missed any of the past editions, you can find them all at the links below.
In this edition of Course Stories, we're visiting Ballybunion, Royal County Down, and Tralee Golf Links.
The Ballybunion Monorail
What do Ballybunion Golf Club and Disneyland have in common?
Not all that much, except that both places feature in their history some strong ties to…
The monorail.
In the latter part of the 19th century, a French engineer named Charles Lartigue developed one of the earliest monorail systems.
It’s most notable use was a 9-mile line which connected the towns of Listowel and Ballybunion.
The monorail remained in service for 36 years and was eventually scrapped in 1924.
But a piece of this unique history still remains at Ballybunion Golf Club, where the 8th hole is named “Lartigue.”
The Design of Royal County Down
In the highly subjective business of Top 100 rankings, Royal County Down is often listed as the best golf course in the world.
In contrast to that lofty title, Royal County Down began its life as a 9-hole course designed by a Scottish school teacher.
Not long after, the club commissioned Old Tom Morris for the princely sum of £4 to extend the links to 18-holes.
Clearly, the club got their money’s worth.
Over the next century, numerous architects would lend their talents to the design of Royal County Down.
But perhaps none had a greater and more lasting impact than Harry Colt.
Among his numerous contributions, Colt introduced the par-3 4th hole and the par-4 9th hole to Royal County Down.
Two of the best, and most photographed, holes in all of golf.
Shipwreck at Tralee Golf Links
The Tralee Golf Links is home to some of the most beautiful golf in all of Ireland.
On a course that’s filled with stunning panoramas, perhaps the finest of all is found at the par-3 16th hole.
The elevated tee provides a spectacular view towards a notorious stretch of ocean.
In 1588, a ship from the Spanish Armada arrived in the waters off Tralee.
The rocks hidden beneath the ocean surface ensured that it never left.
Today, the stretch of coast is nicknamed the graveyard of the Spanish Armada, and the 16th hole is known as Shipwreck.
It’s also known to wreck its share of scorecards.
Additional Reading
Visit the Yardage Book for More Golf Travel Resources
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