Officials at Woodstock Golf Club in Shanaway, Ennis hope to have a reduced course open for play this weekend after cattle caused considerable damage to the greens and fairways.
As many as 40 cattle got onto the course last Friday night, resulting in management having to close the course to play.
Staff arriving for work early on Saturday morning observed a herd of cattle on the course and found up to 10 greens damaged. Particularly serious damage was caused to the sixth, eighth and 13th greens, as well as to the 13th fairway.
The course was immediately closed, resulting in the cancellation of weekend competitions and the loss of a significant amount of green fees.
A spokesperson for the club this week paid tribute to neighbouring Clare clubs. “They have given us great assistance and helped with honouring our bookings. As we speak, we are awaiting a visit from insurance representatives to assess the damage. Hopefully, we will be able to have a reduced course in play by the weekend. We have a lot of society bookings over the next few weeks and Banner GAA are due to have their classic this weekend. Members are offering their services to work on the restoration of the course,” the spokesperson said.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.