Mahee Island Golf Club - History Information

Index:

THE GOLF COURSESince the beginning, the Golf Course has seen a gradual improvement and refinement. The original was literally cut from the natural terrain, with the stone ditches and hedges largely left as hazards. Over many years these have disappeared, although evidence of their existence can still be traced, if one knows where to look.The Golf Course might have changed but the surrounding beauty has remained as wonderful and natural since the beginning of time. We are indebted to Miss Molly Crawford a long time member, for these beautiful words.
The waters of Strangford, swirling in from the sea
Lap many fine islands, but none like Mahee.
Reagh, Rainey and Ringneil in beauty excel,
Mahee boasts this beauty and a golf course as well.
What Nature provided, man has refined
And created a playground for body and mind.
From Monday to Sunday, taking pleasure in play,
You will look all around and to a friend say,
“See that view how it changes, now the lough is dark blue;
Through the Narrows the waters are galloping through.
Now the mirror-like lough is reflecting the trees
And the clouds that float along with the breeze.”
Which tee is your favourite? ‘twere hard to decide,
The earth centred third, with a vista so wide?
The winter dark sixth where the tall pine trees moan,
Where the world is shut out and you feel all alone?
Gay companionable fourth with a sweep to the sea,
Where jokes are exchanged as we queue for the tee?

Snug from the wind or warm with the sun,
At the second we wait ere play has begun.
An excellent drive and the hope of a three
Help lighten the uphill pull from the tee.
But, if more likely, I settle for six,
For consolement my eyes on Scrabo I fix.
Thr fifth were my favourite if there were no green;
It’s the best driving prospect that ever was seen.
And I could go striking on and on
Till tomorrow’s followed yesterday’s dawn.
But all too soon we run out of grass
And there’s a trap and an abyss we may not pass.
Is the seventh your favourite? ‘tis surely not mine;
The longest of holes and two mountains to climb.
Poised on the eighth, that most beautiful sight;
Were more beautiful still if the ball would alight
On that circle of green and gently run in
To nestle at last ’gainst the shaft of the pin.
The ninth, somewhat hidden, a contemplative hole,
Brings memories of poor shots, a searching.
Head bent, you trudge up-hill, eager to see
The ninth green, the Clubhouse, the inviting first tee
Where the past nine, forgotten, you confident come
With strokes in your head that would strike Nicklaus dumb.

Do you remember that day, long ago
When you stood on the first tee and looked down below;
Saw the pattern of islands, the lough and the sky
Surprising your mind and enchanting your eye?
In Summer, in Winter, in Autumn, in Spring
New thoughts and new beauties that prospect will bring

The waters of Strangford swirling in from the sea
Lap many fine islands, but none like Mahee.