Dooks

In 1963, a shockwave arrived through the Dooks letterbox. The letter was from the land agent, serving notice to hand back possession of the golf course and club. The course was laid out on leased land, but unfortunately the original lease wasn’t signed. Immediately, a “Save Dooks” campaign was launched and for the next two years the golf club was front-page news. £7000 was eventually raised and in 1965, the members became the proud owners of Dooks Golf Club.

After all the publicity, Dooks grew in popularity and soon became overwhelmed with golfers wanting to play the now famous links. Clearly, the course needed extending to 18 holes, but funds were tight. Lateral thinking was needed. After much debate, nine members volunteered to form and lead teams to construct nine new holes. In September 1970, against all odds, and inside a meagre £3000 budget, a newly extended 18-hole Dooks opened for play – designed and built by the members, under the guidance of Eddie Hackett. The outcome is fantastic, the new holes blend perfectly with the old.

Marc Westenborg, while working with Martin Hawtree’s design firm, made further improvements early in the new millennium, renovating all eighteen holes over a period of five winters starting in 2003. This involved introducing sixteen new greens, some close to their existing locations and others in totally new sites. All the tee complexes and bunkers were also renovated in a similar vein.

Dooks Golf Club is a tranquil, engaging and fun golf course. It also provides a true and traditional links experience. The course is not of championship length, measuring just over 6,500 yards, but don’t let this put you off. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable challenge. Beware of the toads though – the warm, sandy linksland at Dooks is home to the Natterjack, and is one of the amphibians' last remaining habitats. The club has adopted the Natterjack toad as their emblem. Don’t worry if you’re squeamish, though. These little creatures are nocturnal, emerging only when the golfers have gone home.

There are numerous memorable holes, but the 13th will remain etched in the mind for a very long time. Many of the greens are undulating, but the green of the par three 13th is the big dipper in roller-coaster terms. Dooks is certainly an inspirational golf course, a very special place. Additionally, it is also one of the most sociable and friendly golf clubs on the planet and visitors can certainly be assured of a warm and friendly Irish welcome at Dooks.