Progress sometimes takes its victims but despite a temporary road closure and the upheaval caused by the development of Runway North at Dublin Airport,  Forrest Little Golf Club remains very much open for business. 

With every potential threat comes opportunity and Forrest Little is prepared to embrace any changes to the local landscape and ensure that their proud history of providing top class golfing and social facilities in Swords will continue for many years to come.

The diversion of the Naul Road and the realignment of the Forrest Little Road is only a temporary inconvenience and a minor irritation compared the advantages that the club's central location, just 20 minutes from Dublin City, affords its members and visitors.

Like Shannon Golf Club, Forrest Little shares a boundary with a major international airport, which at the very least provides some thrilling plane-spotting distractions should your golf go into nose-dive on what is an excellent and always scenic course.

However, it's also one of Ireland's most welcoming and competitive clubs, enjoying considerable golfing success that is on a par with its conviviality and warmth.

Substantial investment in the par-71 course means it boasts USGA standard, sand-based greens throughout and thanks to a  comprehensive drainage programme, it is open for business all year round.  

The course, which was designed by the renowned Fred Hawtree, measures 6,475 yards from the medal tees and features tree-lined fairways and a meandering stream that comes into play on several holes. 

It's a testament to its quality that the club has produced some excellent championship golfers in recent years.

Eoin Arthurs won the East of Ireland Championship by four strokes in 2008, leaving Shane Lowry eight behind, going on to win international honours before embarking recently on his PGA training.

Julie McCarthy’s notable achievements at home and abroad have also led to her developing into a formidable international player and she will shortly take up a golf scholarship at Auburn University in Alabama.

Tony Judd,  the club professional for almost 30 years, has worked closely with the Juvenile Coordinators such as John Keogh and as a result, the club has enjoyed notable success at provincial level.

Just a few weeks ago, Juvenile past captains, Ciaran Gregan and Jamie Doyle, were successful in the Hilary Outing on a very difficult Sunday at Co Louth Golf Club. 

Ciaran led the scoring in a field that included a number of former European Tour players, while Jamie was successful in the team event. 

Club captain Michael Denihan is predicting a very successful season on the inter-club scene this year as the club has attracted a number of new members from the Swords area. 

Lady Captain Joyce Moran is also quietly confident that some recent recruits to the Ladies Section will also bring inter-club success to the club.   

Attracting new members is a challenge for all Irish clubs and Forrest Little has fully embraced the CGI's ‘Get into Golf’ initiative and a "taster session" has been arranged with a view to getting more women to take up the game.

This involves sessions on chipping, putting and the long game, and includes four lessons from the club professional Tony Judd during an eight-week beginner programme which starts next Tuesday.

Equipment is provided and with morning and evening options for a total cost of just €50, it is an attractive proposition for women in the area who might be considering a new past time. 

Forrest Little has a varied programme of Open Competitions, with Scratch Cups in all categories during the season as well as the very popular Brothers Competition on 25 June.

There are Open singles, and Over 60’s seniors' events almost every Monday and full details are available on the club's website  — www.forrestlittle.ie.

Membership remains open with a special offer of €900 for full membership for 2017. 

Junior membership for golfers up to the age of 25 costs €353 while Intermediate Membership (up to age 31) starts at €592.  

Five-Day and Pavilion Membership categories are also available and all interested parties should contact the club at 01-8401763 or by email sean@forrestlittle.ie. 

Forrest Little Factfile

• Club: Forrest Little Golf Club
• Address: Cloghran, Swords, Co Dublin
• Email: Margaret@forrestlittle.ie
• Tel: 01 8401763
• Green fees: Midweek €25; Weekend €30
• Society rates: Midweek €25; Weekend €30. Contact office for seasonal discounts.
• Buggies: €25
• Club hire: €15 
• Electric trolleys: €10
• Range Balls: Unavailable

Signature hole — 7th, Par 3, 143 metres

A daunting tee shot over water to a sloping green guarded by six bunkers.

Professional tip

Club professional Tony Judd recommends taking an extra club as there is no future in being short. Be mindful of the prevailing wind from the right, more evident at the green than on the tee. 

Membership rates

Full Membership for the remainder of 2017 from €900, Junior Membership up to age 25 from €353 and Intermediate Membership up to age 31 from €592.  Annual subscription for a full member, €1,175.

Nearby clubs

• Balcarrick Golf Club
• Castleknock Golf Club
• Clontarf Golf Club
• Corrstown Golf Club
• Donabate Golf Club
• Hollystown Golf Club
• Luttrellstown Castle Golf & Country Club
• Malahide Golf Club
• The Island Golf Club
• Portmarnock Golf Club
• Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links
• Roganstown Hotel & Country Club
• Royal Dublin Golf Club
• Silloge Park Golf Club
• Swords Open Golf Course

This feature first appeared in the Irish Independent's weekly Tee to Green golf supplement on 20 April 2017