The 18th hole on Mahony's Point

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, founded in 1893, has officially launched a multi-year investment initiative to upgrade its Mahony’s Point course.

The course previously hosted the Women’s Irish Open and features the iconic 18th hole, recognized as one of the world's premier par-3 and finishing holes.

Scope of Improvements

The project focuses on the comprehensive redesign and reconstruction of all bunker complexes and teeing areas across Mahony’s Point. The goal of the upgrade is to improve overall playing conditions while maintaining the original character and identity of the course.

Following member approval earlier this year, design and planning work advanced under lead golf course architect Jeff Lynch of ReGolf. Lynch developed the plans in collaboration with the Club, the Mahony’s Point Steering Group, and Synergy Golf.

County Kerry-based Atlantic Golf Construction has been selected as the preferred construction partner. The firm’s previous project portfolio includes work at Adare Manor—the venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup—as well as Ballybunion, Tralee, and Lahinch.

L-R: Nicola O’Sullivan, KGFC Head of Business Development; Harry O’Neill, KGFC Course Convenor; Michael O’Donoghue, President of KGFC; Colin Finlay, KGFC Director of Golf; Peter McVicar, KGFC Team Lead on Mahony’s Point.
(Pic: Ian Cronin, The Social Hacker)

Two-Phase Construction Schedule

The redevelopment will be executed in two distinct stages:

• Phase One: Commenced on October 5, 2026, with completion scheduled for April 2027, reopening the upgraded holes for the 2027 golf season.
• Phase Two: Scheduled to run from October 2027 through April 2028, completing upgrades across all 18 holes.

Official Statements

Harry O’Neill, Chair of the Mahony’s Point Steering Group, highlighted the significance of the undertaking:

“Mahony’s Point is one of Ireland’s truly iconic golf courses, and this project represents an important investment in its future. From the outset, our focus has been on enhancing the course while respecting the qualities that make it so unique. Working alongside Jeff Lynch and the wider project team, we believe the planned improvements will further strengthen Mahony’s Point’s reputation as one of Ireland’s great golf courses.”

Lead designer Jeff Lynch detailed the design objectives:

“Mahony’s Point is blessed with an exceptional natural setting and a strong golfing heritage. This project has been about identifying where meaningful improvements can be made while remaining faithful to the course’s character. The redesigned tees and bunkers will enhance both presentation and performance, ensuring Mahony’s Point continues to offer a first-class golfing experience for generations to come.”

A spokesperson for Atlantic Golf Construction added:

“We are delighted to be working with Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Jeff Lynch and Synergy Golf and look forward to helping deliver this exciting new chapter for Mahony’s Point.”

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An example of the planned changes for the fifth hole