Joe Fegan's Story
Joe Fegan pictured with his wife Mary in The Oak Tree Restaurant Mayobridge Golf Club a few years ago
The History of Mayobridge Golf Club.
A Dream Built by Hand.
Every great golf club has a story, but few began quite like Mayobridge Golf Club.
Founded in 1999, the club was created from the vision, determination and passion of Joe Fegan and his son Shane. Having spent many years enjoying the game at Warrenpoint Golf Club, they believed the beautiful countryside surrounding the family farm at Crossan Road could become something truly special—a golf course that would combine enjoyable golf with the natural beauty and heritage of County Down.
What began as an ambitious dream soon became a remarkable reality.
Without the backing of a major developer or golf company, Joe, helped by eldest son Martin, transformed farmland into an attractive parkland course through years of hard work, careful planning and countless hours of labour. Miles of drainage were installed, thousands of tonnes of earth were moved, lakes were created, trees and shrubs were planted, and every hole was designed with the aim of providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every ability.
From Nine Holes to Eighteen.
Mayobridge Golf Club first opened as a 9-hole course in 1999. Its popularity quickly grew, leading to the expansion to 13 holes by 2001, before becoming the full 18-hole, Par 67 course golfers enjoy today in 2003.
In 2005, the club proudly became affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland, allowing members to obtain official handicaps and represent the club in inter-club competitions throughout Ireland.
A Course Rich in Character.
One of the features that makes Mayobridge Golf Club unique is its connection to the area's history.
Rather than removing the old cottages and stone buildings that once formed part of the local rural community, the course was designed around them. Historic whitewashed cottages remain an integral part of the landscape, giving the course a distinctive character rarely found elsewhere.
Murphy's Cottage, featured in the club's logo, sits proudly beside the 7th and 11th tee boxes and represents the heritage that continues to define Mayobridge Golf Club today.
Another local landmark is Connolly's Cottage beside the 17th fairway and 18th tee, once known locally as "The Buck and Bull", a famous old shebeen with stories that have become part of local folklore. These reminders of the past help create a golfing experience that is as memorable for its surroundings, as it is for the golf itself.
The 15th Green is built on an ancient ring fort, dating back 2000 years to around 100 AD. When people lived there, Ryan bog beside it, would have been a crystal clear lake for fishing. It was a simple life of hunting and fishing.
More Than Just Golf.
As the club continued to grow, so did its facilities.
Today, Mayobridge Golf Club offers modern clubhouse facilities, a welcoming atmosphere and The Oak Tree Restaurant, making it a destination for golfers, families, visitors and local residents alike.
Whether enjoying a meal overlooking the course from the Sunset Terrace, hosting a special occasion or simply calling in after a round of golf, visitors receive the same warm welcome that has been at the heart of the club since the beginning.
Carrying the Vision Forward.
Although Joe Fegan sadly passed away in 2021, his vision continues to shape everything the club represents. His belief that golf should be welcoming, enjoyable and accessible to everyone remains at the heart of Mayobridge Golf Club.
Today, under the continued stewardship of two of Joe's sons , Shane & Martin, the club continues to invest in the course, facilities and visitor experience while remaining true to the values on which it was founded.
From one man's dream on a family farm has grown one of County Down's most welcoming golf clubs—a place where visitors become regulars, members become friends, and every round is played amongst the rich history and beautiful scenery of the Mourne countryside.
Mayobridge Golf Club — Built with Passion. Played with Pride.
TIMELINE
A Dream Built by Hand.
Every great golf club has a story, but few began quite like Mayobridge Golf Club.
Founded in 1999, the club was created from the vision, determination and passion of Joe Fegan and his son Shane. Having spent many years enjoying the game at Warrenpoint Golf Club, they believed the beautiful countryside surrounding the family farm at Crossan Road could become something truly special—a golf course that would combine enjoyable golf with the natural beauty and heritage of County Down.
What began as an ambitious dream soon became a remarkable reality.
Without the backing of a major developer or golf company, Joe, helped by eldest son Martin, transformed farmland into an attractive parkland course through years of hard work, careful planning and countless hours of labour. Miles of drainage were installed, thousands of tonnes of earth were moved, lakes were created, trees and shrubs were planted, and every hole was designed with the aim of providing an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every ability.
From Nine Holes to Eighteen.
Mayobridge Golf Club first opened as a 9-hole course in 1999. Its popularity quickly grew, leading to the expansion to 13 holes by 2001, before becoming the full 18-hole, Par 67 course golfers enjoy today in 2003.
In 2005, the club proudly became affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland, allowing members to obtain official handicaps and represent the club in inter-club competitions throughout Ireland.
A Course Rich in Character.
One of the features that makes Mayobridge Golf Club unique is its connection to the area's history.
Rather than removing the old cottages and stone buildings that once formed part of the local rural community, the course was designed around them. Historic whitewashed cottages remain an integral part of the landscape, giving the course a distinctive character rarely found elsewhere.
Murphy's Cottage, featured in the club's logo, sits proudly beside the 7th and 11th tee boxes and represents the heritage that continues to define Mayobridge Golf Club today.
Another local landmark is Connolly's Cottage beside the 17th fairway and 18th tee, once known locally as "The Buck and Bull", a famous old shebeen with stories that have become part of local folklore. These reminders of the past help create a golfing experience that is as memorable for its surroundings, as it is for the golf itself.
The 15th Green is built on an ancient ring fort, dating back 2000 years to around 100 AD. When people lived there, Ryan bog beside it, would have been a crystal clear lake for fishing. It was a simple life of hunting and fishing.
More Than Just Golf.
As the club continued to grow, so did its facilities.
Today, Mayobridge Golf Club offers modern clubhouse facilities, a welcoming atmosphere and The Oak Tree Restaurant, making it a destination for golfers, families, visitors and local residents alike.
Whether enjoying a meal overlooking the course from the Sunset Terrace, hosting a special occasion or simply calling in after a round of golf, visitors receive the same warm welcome that has been at the heart of the club since the beginning.
Carrying the Vision Forward.
Although Joe Fegan sadly passed away in 2021, his vision continues to shape everything the club represents. His belief that golf should be welcoming, enjoyable and accessible to everyone remains at the heart of Mayobridge Golf Club.
Today, under the continued stewardship of two of Joe's sons , Shane & Martin, the club continues to invest in the course, facilities and visitor experience while remaining true to the values on which it was founded.
From one man's dream on a family farm has grown one of County Down's most welcoming golf clubs—a place where visitors become regulars, members become friends, and every round is played amongst the rich history and beautiful scenery of the Mourne countryside.
Mayobridge Golf Club — Built with Passion. Played with Pride.
TIMELINE
- 1999 – Mayobridge Golf Club opens as a 9-hole course.
- 2001 – Expansion to 13 holes, with more being built.
- 2003 – Full 18-hole course completed.
- 2005 – Affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland.
- 2021 – Club enters a new chapter while continuing Joe Fegan's vision.
- Today – Modern clubhouse, Oak Tree Restaurant,
- Sunset Terrace and a thriving membership.
Article from Newry Democrat 23rd Dec 2003
Mayobridge farmer, Joe Fegan had a dream, writes Claire Treanor.
Mayobridge farmer, Joe Fegan had a dream, writes Claire Treanor.
In his mind's eye he could see the wasteland around his home transformed. rolling greens, trees and shrubs, lakes and ponds. His dream was an ambitious one - a golf club for Mayobridge.
"I first had the idea about ten or fifteen years ago" said Mr Fegan. "I was a member of Warrenpoint golf club and thought that Mayobridge would be ideally suited for one."
Mr Fegan should be taking it easy and enjoying a restful retirement. He is, after all, in his seventies. He enjoys a puff of his pipe, but is by no means ready to settle into his slippers. He's much too busy running Mayobridge golf club, a club he constructed in his own time, by his own hand and with his own money. A cattle and poultry farmer, his only real knowledge of golf was as a player. He and his son Shane, who has been a keen golfer since childhood, did all their own research. They studied the layouts of existing golf courses. they read up on green keeping and seed mixtures. Eventually they came up with a design - and then the real work started.
Over two miles of ditches were removed. thousands of tonnes of waste was cleared. all the fields were dug up and filled with stones for drainage. They were then re-clayed and top-dressed with special seeding. about 1,000 different types of shrubs and trees were planted. a series of eight new lakes and ponds were then created for drainage. As Mr. Fegan puts it, "it was back breaking - the sort of thing you'd only do once in a lifetime."
The result is a unique and quite stunning course. "No other course has a layout like this. and because the land was inhabited until about thirty years ago, cottages are still dotted about. it's really very scenic. In summer we get families coming to picnic around the course," he said.
The course is thriving, when it opened in 1999 it had nine holes. it now has eighteen. It has helped to boost the Mayobridge area, with keen golfers from throughout Ireland visiting for a game. professional golfer Paddy Gribben, who has competed against Nick Faldo, is a regular. all Ireland winner Louise Coffey plays at the club too. its about to be affiliated to the golfing union of Ireland. So Mr Fegan's club will now be able to compete in inter club competitions throughout Ireland and beyond.
But Mr Fegan will not rest on his laurels. He has just received planning permission for the next part of his project - a proper clubhouse. Mr Fegan had a dream. with dedication, determination and patience he has made it a reality. and his thoughts on his achievement? "I never have time for a good game of golf anymore."
Mayobridge golf club logo features 'Murphys Cottage' located beside the 7th & 11th tee boxes, Oak leaves for the Oak Tree Restaurant, and a pipe as it was Joe Fegan's favourite smoke.
Joe Fegan 1929-2021
His hard work & determination made Mayobridge Golf Club become a reality
