177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure

12/06/2008
16:53
Page 1
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
Old Head is a remarkable piece of Ireland, protruding over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean
16:54
Page 2
A Journey of the Senses
Lambrecht Photography
12/06/2008
O
O ffering the most spectacular golfing experience on earth
L
L eaving you breathless, with stunning views from every direction
D
D elivering to you the ultimate in luxury, comfort and style
H
H owever you want to relax, Old Head will provide the ultimate experience
E
E mbracing history, culture and nature
A
A cquaint yourself with the culinary capital of Ireland
D
D istinguished membership for the elite golfer
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
12/06/2008
16:54
Page 4
Offering the most spectacular golfing experience on earth
INTRODUCTION
Old Head is a remarkably dramatic piece of Ireland, protruding over two miles into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Old Head of Kinsale is home to a World-Class Private Championship Golf Course and Luxury
Accommodation.
The brainchild of John and Patrick O'Connor, the Club has developed into one of the most recognised
and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in
personalised service.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Old Head Experience.
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
16:54
Page 6
Leaving you breathless, with stunning views from every direction
Lambrecht Photography
12/06/2008
GOLF & THE COURSE
Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220-acre diamond of land. The promontory is almost an island with
numerous caves running beneath your feet as you play the course.
It was designed and constructed by a unique team: Ron Kirby - former designer at Jack Nicklaus's Golf
Design Services, Paddy Merrigan - Australian course architect and agronomist, Liam Higgins - one of
Ireland's best known golf professionals, the late Eddie Hackett - former Irish golf professional and golf
course designer, the late Dr. Joe Carr - Ireland's most successful international amateur golfer and Haulie
O'Shea - building contractor.
Old Head, par 72, comprises five Par 5s, five Par 3s and eight Par 4s - stretching to over 7,200 yards from
the tips, with a minimum of six tees per hole. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes
provide stunning ocean views. With the ever-changing sea breezes, the course provides a stern test to the
touring pro and the high handicapper alike.
Old Head Golf Links is designed as a walking course where Members and Guests are encouraged to walk
the links with a Caddie. Old Head boasts one of the largest group of professional Caddies in the country,
with approximately 160 working at the Club throughout the season. The Old Head Caddie Programme is
among one of the most extensive and professional worldwide.
The course is set up on a daily basis depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Facilities include a
warm up range, a putting green and a short game practice area. Old Head has a team of fully trained outside
services staff to cater for your every need.
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
12/06/2008
16:54
Page 8
Delivering to you, the ultimate in luxury, comfort and style
SUITES & SPA
The Clubhouse includes 15 Luxurious Suites, the Old Head Spa, Fitness Suite and Beauty Treatment Rooms
which complement the outstanding beauty and setting of the site.
The Old Head Seaview Suites feature the perfect blend of opulence and comfort. Offering magnificent
views, all Suites are adorned in a style that evokes a feeling of pure indulgence, stunningly furnished and
spaciously created.
The stylishly appointed Presidential Suite features a separate living room, master bedroom and dressing
room. The spacious marble bathroom ensures that guests will enjoy the finest comforts and the ultimate in
relaxation. The exquisite Suite surveys the historical lighthouse and 18th green with breathtaking views of
the Atlantic Ocean.
The ultimate in pampering and rejuvenation, the Old Head Spa offers a place to unwind and restore.
Surrounded by gentle interiors, the Thermal Spa provides the perfect escape. Old Head also offers a range
of beauty care and therapeutic treatments for ladies and gentlemen and comprises a Fitness Suite offering
the latest resistance and cardiovascular equipment.
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
12/06/2008
16:54
Page 10
However you want to relax, Old Head will provide the ultimate experience
THE EXPERIENCE
Old Head's Clubhouse overlooks the 18th green and commands stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and
the Old Head Lighthouse. It blends in superbly with the rugged nature of the headland and is only visible
from the 18th tees. Throughout the interior, the ammonite feature is present, reflecting the ancient and
maritime setting that is Old Head.
Dine at our five-star A La Carte de Courcey Restaurant with its magnificent views. It provides
spectacular culinary delights bearing testament to the skills of our in-house chefs. Dine on lobster from the
tank, freshly caught fish, poultry, game, meats and local produce together with our extensive wine list
chosen from the Old and New worlds' vineyards. Old Head can also accommodate private parties in an
exclusive dining area.
A leisurely breakfast, brunch, lunch and early evening food can be enjoyed in an informal environment in
the Lusitania Bar. Enjoy a pint of the best and experience our local brews.
Take pleasure in our on-course dining service with specialties "to go", or enjoy a break at The Turn before
setting out on the back nine. Oysters and Champagne, Salmon and Guinness, or whatever snack you desire
can be provided.
The Old Head Golf Shop offers a carefully selected choice of men's and ladies’ golf clothing, as well as
accessories and gifts for every occasion.
Executive Heli-Transfers for the discerning golfer have become a popular mode of transport for travelling
throughout Ireland. It cuts out significant time lost on road travel, alleviates time pressures and brings the
benefit of seeing the beauty of Ireland from the air. The service will transport you between golf courses,
hotels and airports or whatever route you may choose.
12/06/2008
16:55
Page 12
Embracing history, culture and nature
OLD HEAD
OF
KINSALE
People first settled in Ireland over 6,000 years ago. Evidence of these early Iron-age Celts can still be seen
on the Old Head of Kinsale. The Eirinn clan moved from Western Europe about 900 B.C. and their
fortified community on the Old Head was described as the fort of Dún Cearmna. The island of Ireland took
its name from the Eirinn clan. The Old Head is one of the few landmarks in Northern Europe shown on a
map by the Greek historian, Ptolemy, in 100 A.D.
In 1169, the first Norman invasion occurred. The assault led to the headland passing directly into the control
of the de Courcey family. The ruins of the de Courcey tower house and medieval walls form the entrance to
the golf course today.
In pre-Christian times and up to the 17th century, the Stone of Accord (Old Head Logo) was commonly
used to seal important deals and to make up after arguments. It was also used as a wedding stone and in
early centuries couples exchanged marriage vows for one year only, from May to May. The wedding contract
was renewed by joining hands through the hole in the stone.
History and legend tell us that the navigational fires, lit by the Eirinn clan, were never permitted to go out.
Over the centuries, primitive Lighthouses were built to assist navigation and warn against invasions. The
existing lighthouse was built in 1853 and is located on the southern tip of the headland behind the 18th tees.
The remains of two earlier lighthouses, built in 1667 and 1814, can still be seen near the 7th tees.
There have been countless Shipwrecks in the vicinity of Old Head over the centuries. Two of the more
recent ship losses in the area were the City of Chicago in 1892 and the Lusitania in 1915. This latter tragedy
was instrumental in bringing the United States into World War One, thereby changing the course of history.
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
Over half a million shrubs, plants and bushes have been planted at Old Head. The headland is a rich habitat
for Flora & Fauna. Pygmy Shrews, Bank Voles, Kestrels, Foxes and Hares have all made their home at Old
Head. There also exists in this special place the only mixed seabird colony of its kind in this part of Europe
that you can walk to. All other comparable colonies are on islands. Whale watching is a popular activity off
the Old Head of Kinsale. Of Ireland's 23 known species of whale, 15 species (including dolphins and
porpoises) can be seen in the course of the year off the Old Head.
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
12/06/2008
16:55
Page 14
Acquaint yourself with the culinary capital of Ireland
KINSALE TOWN
Kinsale is one of the oldest and most fashionable resort towns in Ireland. It is a sophisticated cosmopolitan
seaside town. Kinsale nestles between the hills and the shoreline with a maze of narrow, flower decorated
streets with historical links to the French, Spanish, British and Americans.
Today the quaint properties house everything from delightful restaurants, pubs, wine bars and cafés to
antique and jewellery shops, art and photographic galleries, crafts and crystal showrooms and beauty and
hair salons. Kinsale is not just about good food and picturesque streets. There is so much more to do when
you are not on the golf course or if you don't play golf at all. Activities can include anything from horse
riding to scuba diving. One can attend a pottery workshop and hone your skills in this craft.
Historical sites also make up a large part of Kinsale. The vast star-shaped Charles Fort was built in 1677
to defend the harbour of Kinsale. Desmond Castle was built in the 15th century and was turned into a prison
in the 17th century. You can now find the International Museum of Wine at the castle. St. Multose Church
was built in 1190 and still retains many of its original features. It is still in use to this day as a church.
Kinsale is considered the "Gourmet Capital of Ireland" - annually hosting the world famous "Kinsale
Festival of Fine Food" in October. There are twelve internationally known Good Food Circle gourmet
restaurants with a diversity of cuisine and excellent quality and service.
There are various types of accommodation in the town, from family-run Bed and Breakfasts to 4-star
hotels to a 5-star Georgian mansion.
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure
12/06/2008
16:55
Page 16
Distinguished membership for the elite golfer
MEMBERSHIP
Old Head is a “Premier International Private Members Club, accepting limited outside play”. Experiencing
Old Head as a Member inscribes you into a history that is deep in tradition and culture. We pride ourselves
on offering Members and their Guests the ultimate experience in golf with a seamless blend of Irish
hospitality.
Exclusive to Members and their Guests is the Old Head Members Room where one can relax in private
surroundings. Member Privileges also include Private Changing Rooms and Lockers, use of the Old
Head Spa and Fitness Suite, Preferential Guest rates and a Concierge Service where Chauffeur Transfer,
Helicopter Transfer and Private Jet arrangements can be arranged.
A key part of Old Head Golf Links' activities is the hosting of Member and Member/Guest tournaments.
These events are played at Old Head during the season and at other venues around the world when the Club
is closed during the winter, establishing Old Head as a 12-month Club.
Some of the venues for our international tournaments have been:
DLF Golf and Country Club, NEW DELHI, INDIA
The Floridian, FLORIDA, USA
Calusa Pines, FLORIDA, USA
Carnegie Abbey, RHODE ISLAND, USA
Congressional Country Club, MARYLAND, USA
The Abaco Club, BAHAMAS
Old Palm, FLORIDA, USA
Shanghai Links, SHANGHAI, CHINA
16:55
Page 18
A world of serenity
Lambrecht Photography
12/06/2008
The Old Head Journey now awaits you
Lambrecht Photography
177 x 210 OH Smaller Brochure