Apr 15

Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer sparked golf revival in Ireland

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It used to be that golf in Ireland, like many European countries, was the domain of the rich, moneyed and titled.

But, in 1960, the Canada Cup came to Portmarnock, and all the Irish wanted to see Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer. The demand for courses the average Paddy could get on soared and a golf construction boom of sorts followed.

Since many of the Irish courses couldn’t afford to hire big-name, international architects, Irish architect Eddie Hackett ended up designing many of the courses. Hackett is sort of a legend in Ireland, designing links courses in Connemara, Waterville and Carne, for example.

He died in 1996, and never told anyone of his favorite designs, saying that would be an insult to all the people he worked for more than 40 years.

« Golf in Ireland: Try Mt. Temple in the heart of IrelandPlaying links golf in Ireland is fine, but don't limit yourself »

4 comments

  1. § James said on : 04/17/06 @ 13:21
    I knew Eddy. He and I started a brush fire along highway 90 about 25 years ago. We were driving a broke up Olds 98 that Eddy had stolen from a farmer the day before. We blew a head gasket doing about 85 and Eddy jerked the wheel towards the ditch, but instead we tore off through a picnic area. Once we settled down, I told Ed to open up the trunk and get me some tools. He found a gallon can of kerosene, stuck a kerchief in the spout, then lit it with his cigar. When that thing went off it nearly burnt up the back end of that 98. Me and Ed took off running I haven't heard about Ed until just now. I didn't know he was dead, much less got into the golf business.
  2. § James said on : 04/18/06 @ 12:20
    Eddie and I tripped on some really great acid at Woodstock. He told me that he loved to "trip" when designing the golf courses. I didn't know he was dead either.
  3. § Pat said on : 04/18/06 @ 17:04
    EDDIE'S DEAD???!!!
    Dear God, no one TOLD ME!!!!
    Now what will we do???
    (Has anyone told his brother, Buddy??)

    And if Jimmy is interested, I have a lead on a '64 Mercury Comet, V8, swimming pool turquoise, low miles, pretty good shape for its age, has a bent 9 iron in the trunk, used only once on a snake.
    Hey, wait--wouldn't need that in Ireland...never mind.
  4. § kbbrickenden said on : 04/21/06 @ 17:28
    dear sir or mam in late 1960 i was a caddy at the st georges golf and country club in toronto and was at the canadian open there i moved on the last day and never found out who won now that i am 50 i would like to know of the last 4 arn palm jack nic and cant remember who else can you tell me the info ihave been a golf nut better cady than player ha ha thankyou for your time and keep on swinging

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