
Cork Course
Cork Golf Club



About this course
Cork Golf Club occupies a parkland setting on Little Island in Cork Harbour, where Alister MacKenzie designed the original layout in 1927. MacKenzie visited the site during his brief but influential period working in Ireland, and the course reflects his characteristic use of natural contours and strategic bunkering. The property sits on gently rolling terrain with mature tree-lined fairways and views across the harbor, typical of Irish parkland courses from this era. The routing takes advantage of the land's natural movement, with several holes playing along elevated sections that offer perspective over the surrounding landscape. MacKenzie's design principles are evident in the green complexes, which feature subtle borrows and approach angles that reward thoughtful play rather than pure distance. The bunkering style, though modified over the decades, retains elements of the architect's preference for irregular shapes positioned to create strategic choices from the tee. Cork Golf Club has served as a significant venue in Irish golf, hosting national championships and regional competitions over its history. The course has undergone various updates to accommodate modern equipment and maintenance practices, but the essential character of MacKenzie's design remains intact. The club maintains an active membership and operates as a traditional members' club with visiting golfers welcomed by arrangement. Its location near Cork city makes it one of the more accessible championship-standard parkland courses in the Munster region.
Quick facts
- Location
- Little Island, Cork, IE
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1927
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Alister Mackenzie
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,813 yards
- Difficulty
- 73/135
- Course Vaults score
- 8.9
Getting there
The journey to Cork Golf Club begins at Cork Airport, Ireland's second-largest gateway, a mere fifteen-minute drive to the east. From the terminal, the route traces the northern shore of Cork Harbour - one of the world's great natural deepwater ports - before crossing onto Little Island, where the club has occupied its elevated perch since 1927. The approach is deceptively modest, winding through light industrial estates before revealing the parkland sanctuary beyond, its tree-lined fairways and Georgian clubhouse standing in quiet contrast to the working waterfront below.

FAQ
Common questions about Cork
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Cork has a Course Vaults score of 8.9 out of 10 based on 7 logged golfers.
Cork was designed by Alister Mackenzie.
Yes. Cork is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Cork is 72.
Cork plays 6,813 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Cork is 135.


