Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club

Back in the 1940's the grounds where the Club is now situated were operated by the Railway Company for parking trains and other items of machinery. Later the area was used as a ballast pit where rich deposits of sand and gravel were excavated and used as building materials around the town until eventual depletion.

In the late 1960's it was proposed that the disused lands be used as a landfill site for the town of Killarney but fortunately Michael O' Connor, former Secretary of the Munster Gaelic Athletic Association and Ian O'Leary, another prominent member of that Association and an avid golfer, had other ideas.

They planned to build a Pitch & Putt Course and boating lake on the site along with a playground for the children of the town and surrounding areas. Their dream and Deerpark Pitch & Putt Club came into being in April 1973 when the then President of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Mr. Séan O' Síocháin, performed the official opening by striking the first tee shot.

In the late 1970's another rugged eighteen hole course was fashioned from areas of gorse and lakeland but unfortunately due to spiraling maintenance costs and lack of funds this course never fully realised its potential and faded back into its natural landscape.

The playground and boating lake which never materialised are now long gone and have since been replaced as the home of the renowned Dr. Crokes Hurling and Football Club. The demise of the second course enabled the committee to concentrate on the upkeep of the Championship Course.

Over time, significant improvements were made including the construction of a new clubhouse in 1988, concrete tee boxes in 1990, and an automatic greens watering system in 1991.

Recent Renovations

In recent years, four soil-based greens (3rd, 12th, 13th & 15th) were rebuilt into sand-based greens. Additional improvements included car park resurfacing, storage shed extension, perimeter fencing, clubhouse upgrades, and a new patio area built for the Irish Open.

Location and Setting

The Club is located at Upper Lewis Road, close to the heart of Killarney, Ireland's Tourism Capital. Set in mature parkland, the course offers panoramic views of the McGillycuddy's Reeks, Mangerton and Torc mountains, as well as St. Mary's Cathedral and the Franciscan Friary.

The course offers a variety of shot options and can be enjoyed equally by novice and experienced players. The Club has hosted numerous County, Provincial and National Championships and has been recognised as a premier Championship venue.