Legends Have Played Here
In 1890, just five years after its inception, the Club moved to its current home on Bull Island in Dublin Bay. The links made an immediate impact on the golfing world.
Perhaps the greatest pioneer in the history of the game, Old Tom Morris, came to Royal Dublin and played two matches here on June 7, 1894. Also in that year, Royal Dublin hosted its first championship event, the Irish Amateur Open.
Since then the greatest golfers in the world - both professional and amateur - have come to play in some of Ireland's great tournaments at the famed links.
The legendary golfers to have played Royal Dublin include:
| Legend | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Old Tom Morris | The pioneer of the professional game played Royal Dublin in 1894 |
| Bobby Locke | South African winner of four British Opens |
| Christy O'Connor | The greatest Irish player of his generation and associated with Royal Dublin since 1959 |
| Joe Carr | One of the most successful amateurs in history. |
| Tony Jacklin | Winner of British and US Opens |
| Lee Trevino | Winner of six major titles |
| Jack Nicklaus | Holder of the record of 18 major titles |
| Seve Ballesteros | Winner of six majors and won three Irish Opens, two at Royal Dublin in 1983 and 1985 |
| Raymond Floyd | Winner of four majors, including two PGA Championships, the 1976 Masters and 1986 US Open |
| Bernhard Langer | Masters champion and winner of the Irish Open at Royal Dublin in 1984 (pictured above with trophy) |
| Nick Faldo | Winner of six majors |
| Greg Norman | Twice British Open champion and perenial favourite of golf fans |
| Ernie Els | Winner of British and US Opens |
In fact the list of great golfers who have played the links is long and distinguished, and includes major winners like Ian Woosnam, Ian Baker Finch, Curtis Strange, Sandy Lyle, Corey Pavin, Bob Charles and Wayne Grady.
Many personalities have played Royal Dublin over the years, among them President Clinton, pictured below with Club President Mr. Frank McDevitt on the occasion of his visit in 2004.
In addition, television commentator David Feherty won his first professional tournament at Royal Dublin- The 1980 Irish National PGA Championship. In fact Royal Dublin hosted the tournament from 1978 through 1980 and and was won by Christy O'Connor, Des Smyth and David Feherty respectively. The tournament continues to this day as the Irish PGA Championship which was won by Padraig Harrington the week before both of his British Open victories.
