Newcastle West Golf Club was founded in 1938 after eight local businessmen met in April of that year to form a club. The official opening took place on 14 September 1938 when the V. Rev. Canon Hannon drove off the first tee; the club’s first competition was held a week later on 21 September 1938 and was won by D. O’Dwyer. In its early years the club engaged a professional, D. Murray, to give lessons and to supervise course development.
In 1992 the membership voted to relocate from a nine‑hole site and develop an 18‑hole course at Rathgonan, just outside the village of Ardagh. Play commenced on the new 18‑hole course in May 1994. The course site is in the parish of Coolcappa and was formerly part of the Cahermoyle Estate.
Facilities on the club’s site include a clubhouse with bar and catering, a 10‑bay fully covered and floodlit driving range, an 18‑hole putting green, a chipping green and a pro shop. The pro shop is managed by club professional Ian Colleran, who provides coaching through the Ian Colleran Golf Academy. The club publishes visitor green fee information and runs society days, with society rates noted for Irish‑based groups.
