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Bessbrook Golf Club, County Armagh. (1914 - WWII)

First appeared in 1915. 

The Derrymoor course was requisitioned by the Government at the time of WWII and was used as a base for Allied troops.

In the Golfer’s Handbook the secretary throughout was Jas. Darrah, School House, Bessbrook, although other names are listed in newspaper reports.  The green-keeper was J Black. A 9-hole course. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, Sunday play was not allowed. Local hotel was the Temperance. The station at Bessbrook was one and a half miles from the course. The entries in the Golfer’s Handbook are often repetitive and this looks to be the case for Bessbrook. Although it’s listed until the 1950s it’s probable that the club/course closed prior to this.

Result of a match played at Bessbrook in October 1914.

Prizes given by Mr J N Richardson in conjunction with the above match, result; J A Downey, 93-18-75; T W Richardson, 93-16-77; J Black, 97-20-77; W J Downey, 95-18-77. At the conclusion of the match both teams were hospitably entertained by James N Richardson in the "famous" Derramore House. Tea was served and thoroughly enjoyed.

Result of a competition played in November 1914; John Black, 85-18-67; J A Downey, 89- 12-77; R S Flood, 104-18-86; W J Downey, 98-12-86; W McKelvey, 105-18-87; J N Richardson, 107-18-89.

The Woodhouse, Bessbrook, in the early 1900s.

Following is from the Belfast News-Letter Thursday 7 June 1917 – A competition in connection with Bessbrook Golf Club for prizes presented by Mrs J N Richardson took place at the Derramore links, and resulted as follows; W J Downey, 68; J A Downey, 70; William McKelvey, 72; T S McKinstry, 74; John Black, 74; J N Richardson, 80; John Lowry, 83.

From the Belfast News-Letter Tuesday 19 February 1918. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The annual meeting of the club took place in the Institute in May 1919, Mr Bowes presiding. The financial statement showed the club was in a sound position. The following officials were re-elected; Treasurer, J Bowes; Captain, J A Downey; Secretary, W J Downey. 

Result of the January 1921 monthly medal; John Black, 74 net; James Wylie, 77; J A Downey, 77; W J Downey, 79.

There was a good attendance of members at the annual meeting in May 1923, J Darrah (Captain), presided. Election of officers as follows; Captain, S S McDowell; Hon. secretary, Lawson Honeyford; Hon. treasurer, J S W Richardson; Committee - A Dales, J A Downey, J Darrah and W J Downey.

Newry Reporter Saturday 25 August 1925 - "Playing in a four ball foursome on Bessbrook Links  J A Downey (hon. secretary) holed out in one at the fourth hole with a mashie (110 yards), and for nine-holes had a record score of 32, "Bogey 35." The players taking part in the match were; J C Downey and J Darrah v Charles Downey and W J Downey (captain). All four players used Dunlop Maxflies. This is the first "hole in one" on record in the history of  the Bessbrook Links."

Newry Reporter Thursday 9 June 1927 – “Bessbrook Golf Club and Castleblaney Club met on the links at Warrenpoint on Saturday in a return fixture. Bessbrook travelled to “Blayney” on Easter Monday and “went down” to the locals on that occasion, but the decision was reversed on Saturday, Bessbrook winning by 7 matches to 4. Subsequently the captain of Castleblayney in a neat speech thanked the Bessbrook Club for the enjoyable match and hospitality, and joined with the Bessbrook Captain in thanking the Warrenpoint Council for granting the use of their links.”

The following officers were elected at the annual meeting held in the Institute in April 1929, J S W Richardson (captain) presided; Captain, J S W Richardson; Hon. secretary, James Darrah; Hon. treasurer, J S W Richardson; Council - R Rickerby; J A Downey, J D Thompson, William Magowan and W J Downey.

The captain, J S N Richardson presided at the annual meeting held in the Institute in May 1930. The following officers were elected; President, J H Richardson; Vice-presidents; Mrs S S McDowell, C K T C Campbell, Mrs Williams, Mrs Richardson; Joint captain and treasurer, J S W Richardson; Hon. secretary, J D Thompson; Committee - J Darrack, J A Downey, W Magowan, S S McDowell and W J Downey.

Newry Telegraph Thursday 29 June 1933. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The club goes into abeyance until 1938.

Newry Reporter Saturday 14 May 1938. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The opening of the new course at Woodhouse in June 1938.

Belfast Telegraph Monday 20 June 1938. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Report on the annual meeting held in April 1939.

Portadown News Saturday 22 April 1939. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

A stroke competition was played on the Bessbrook Golf Course at Derramore on Saturday 20 May 1939 and was won by Head-Constable R Farr, R.U.C., with a net score of 64. A bogey competition played later in the month was won by Wilbur Ferguson with a score of 6 down.

Report on the annual meeting in April 1940.

From the Belfast News-Letter Monday 8 April 1940. Image © Johnston Press plc. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

The winner of the weekly stroke competition played in May 1940 was E Morris.

The course was requisitioned by the Government at the time of WWII and used as a base for Allied troops.

The Google Map below shows the location of the golf course at Derramore.