On the urging of the flamboyant Lord Castlerosse, a directors' meeting of the newly-formed Killarney Golf Club Ltd decided on October 18th, 1939 that the ruins of the old Victoria Hotel be developed as a clubhouse. Now, almost 60 years on, the same building is to become home to a brand new club.

During that time, the old structure has been transformed into the Castlerosse Hotel. And the Castlerosse Golf Club is to have its golf shop and locker rooms beside the 20-metre swimming pool and fitness centre, with direct access to Mulligan's Pub for post-round drinks.

But what of the course? During a recent visit, I was shown over the charming nine-hole stretch by the hotel manager, Danny Bowe. The very existence of the land came as a total surprise and the manner in which it had been developed was a most pleasant revelation.

There was no question of squeezing makeshift holes into an ill-suited space. Rather does the layout offer a worthwhile challenge to golfers of all standards, even to the extent of having a par five in excess of 500 yards and one of the par fours, the seventh, measuring close on 400.

Incorporating the last segment of the historic Kenmare Estate, it commands stunning views of Lough Leane and Magillicuddy's Reeks, along with the magnificent woodland stretching westward from Killarney GC, along the valley of the Luane River. A larger, adjoining piece of land is the property of Denis Kelleher, so making the course a joint venture between himself and the hotel's owners.

It was originally conceived by Woodbrook GC member Con Horgan, who is chairman of the Tower Hotel Group which owns the Castlerosse. "In a way, this represents a closing chapter in the story of Killarney's original third course," he said. "The club intended that the course should take in this land and part of the National Park, but they were later forced to abandon the idea for environmental reasons."

With the standard configuration of two par-fives, two par-threes and five par-fours for an overall par of 36, the course measures 3,020 yards and was designed by a local architect, Harry Wallace. The greens, which were built to USGA specifications, have been shaped by Craig Cooke, who did admirable work at Horgan's home club, quite apart from the splendid Loch Lomond.

Those familiar with the area will be able to picture the location of the new course in relation to the adjoining Killeen stretch. For instance, the greens on the sixth at the Castlerosse and the long seventh on Killeen, are no more than 25 yards apart.

The course has involved an overall investment of £600,000 and it is planned to take in 100 members, initially. Membership will take the form of a redeemable debenture valued at £1,500 and it is anticipated that green-fee patrons will pay £12 for nine holes and £20 for 18.

"Apart from being an attractive amenity for hotel guests, we see it as a relaxing golfing experience, contrasting with the championship standard of our neighbours," added Horgan. "And the expectation is that most patrons will be happy to see it as a gentle, nine-hole interlude, rather than playing a full 18."

Plans are to have the club up and running by next spring and to adopt a formal constitution with a view to affiliation to the GUI and the ILGU.

The eccentric Viscount, who had "Stolen from Castlerosse" printed on all of his clubs, once said rather grandly of his involvement with Killarney GC: "I have never cared for the second class and I want to leave something behind that will be paramount."

By the quality of the course construction and hotel back-up, the embryonic Castlerosse GC proves that small need not be second-class. Indeed one might be so bold as to suggest that his lordship would have heartily approved of it carrying his name.