Setting high standards

County Meath Golf Club outside Trim has a history which can be traced back to 1898 when local enthusiasts developed a course at Effernock outside the town on the Dublin road. Fast-forward 100 years or so and Co Meath Golf Club, after a few brief interludes, is now well-established since it was re-launched at its present home at Newtownmoynagh in 1968. Situated less than two miles from Trim, the ancient capital of the Royal County, this excellent parkland golf course is the envy of the country because of its excellent natural drainage and the superb variety it provides. The 6088-metre par 73 parkland golf course is maintained to a very high standard. Each hole tests every aspect of an individual's game from tee to green. The fairways are designed to challenge golfers who aspire to position themselves long off the tee, but they are also forgiving to shorter drivers. Each sand-based green has its own individual character, some elevated, some two-tiered and all guarded by bunkers that pose questions of any approach shot. The facilities of the clubhouse, which include a Pro-shop, modern locker rooms, bar and restaurant, are of a very high standard. The club was founded in 1898 at its original site at Effernock on the Trim-Dublin Road. However, golf then wasn't what it is now and due to lack of interest the club was forced to close in 1925. Re-opening took place in 1935 at Dogstown, but in 1950 that course was forced to close through both lack of interest and the inability to meet high rents, much to the disappointment of then captain, Charles Tyrrell. However, the increased national interest in golf in the 1960s due to the success of Christy O'Connor and Harry Bradshaw, led once more to the rise of Trim Golf Club. The club reopened in 1968 at Newtownmoynagh, again under the captaincy of Tyrrell. In 1987, a further 70 acres were added and work commenced in 1989 on a modern, exciting 18-hole course that was officially opened in 1991 and has been a remarkable success story ever since. In August 2003 the new Pro-shop opened with floor space of approximately 600 square feet, three times bigger than the old shop, allowing a far greater amount of choice and selection for both members and visitors. "In these tough times both nationally and globally golf has taken a hit, but we are doing everything we can to try to entice new members," Co Meath captain Bill Goulding told the Meath Chronicle. "We will be holding a special meeting on Monday 9th August to discuss a new membership price structure. "We have worked hard to make this club what it is and it is because of the extremely hard-working staff and the proud members that we have such a magnificent facility. "We have employed some of the most recognised worldwide techniques to maintain the high quality of our course. We use all the latest technology and I think that is reflected in the condition of the course. "We have found that membership rates to join golf clubs have become very high, but it is our aim over the coming weeks and months to make membership to Co Meath much more competitive for what is a superb club. "Unfortunately, a lot of clubs have been forced into administration and liquidation, but we have such a strong membership base and a high quality reputation that we are in a decent position. We can always become stronger," said Goulding. The evidence of the work that the captain referred to was obvious when myself and two other enthusiasts visited the magnificent club on Friday morning last. We had all played the course on several occasions before, but none of us had ever seen in it such superb condition. The lush and perfectly manicured fairways were offset by a tidy, if troublesome, rough that made the course challenging, but enjoyable. To describe the greens as immaculate would be an understatement. Obviously much care has been put into the putting surface and cuts around the greens ensured perfect conditions on a glorious day. Following our hugely enjoyable 18 holes, we adjourned to the 19th for lunch, where the food, service and conversation with many of the club members was top class. For the record I won the golf, obviously, I chose my partners well?