Mahee Island Golf Club - History Information

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FRED DALY, OPEN CHAMPION!Difficult times perhaps at Mahee Island but throughout Ireland “Golfing” hearts were beating proudly, excited by Fred Daly’s win in the Open at Hoylake. Fred the first and still only Irish winner of this prestigious title was held in particular esteem at Mahee. At the Council meeting on 2nd August, 1947, the secretary reported that” he had written to Fred congratulating him on his victory, and suggesting that the Council would like to make him a Life Member of the Club”. A letter was read from the new Champion, thanking Mahee members and stating that he would be proud to accept Life Membership. In the late 1940’s Harry Middleton emerged as a young golfer of some potential, although employed by his brothers at their Garage, with their blessing Harry worked on the Course. His ability impressed Fred Daly, by then the professional at Balmoral Golf Club. Fred took the youngster under his wing and with his guidance the lad from Mahee became a player to be reckoned with on the local professional golf scene. After some years as professional at Shandon Park, Harry accepted a position at a club in South Africa where he was highly respected as a teaching professional. He never forgot his “roots” and made quite a few visits to Mahee over the years, sadly he passed away a few years ago. Restoring the Course to its former condition after being unattended for 4 years proved difficult. Old machinery required overhauling and in the case of the gang mowers complete replacement. Successive Green keepers did their best but things did not start to turn around until the arrival of Willie Marshall in the 1950’s. For the next 30 years, Willie, showing great skill and dedication coupled with a good deal of hard work turned Mahee Island into a much-respected golf course. Employed as Professional/Green keeper despite all the hard work he still found the time to compete in the local professional competitions where he was well known among perhaps more illustrious competitors. Gerald Marshall, Willie’s son was the next “home-grown” professional. After completing his apprenticeship with Billy Robertson at Belvoir Park, Gerald’s first appointment was at Helen’s Bay. From there he moved to Cliftonville Golf Club where he gained a fine reputation and was a popular teacher. The local golfing fraternity was deeply shocked and saddened by his untimely death in his early thirties.