Help Restore the Irish Birthplace of Pitch and Putt!

Pitch and Putt’s roots are deep-set in the history of Fountainstown Community Sports Club! That’s right, competitive Pitch and Putt began right here in Fountainstown! The organised game is pure Irish, another invention we Rebels can be proud of. Established in 1936, our historic course in Fountainstown is more than just a place to play; it’s a cherished part of our heritage, filled with stories, community spirit, and breathtaking ocean views.

Why Your Support Matters

With your help, we can revitalize this historic gem, ensuring its future for generations to come. Your donation will go directly towards:

✅ Restoring and improving the greens - our slightly unpredictable but charming greens could honestly challenge the world's most famous players.

✅ Enhancing course accessibility and playability.

✅ Preserving the beauty and history of this unique and historic Cork gem.

A Course with a Legacy

For 89 years, this course has stood the test of time, shaped by the dedication and vision of those who came before us. W.A. Collins, a man with firm roots in Fountainstown, is generally accepted to be the true inventor of the organised game of Pitch and Putt, and was also the first President of the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to this visionary and his colleague M.J. (Toey) Hunt, whose foresight and inventiveness led to the creation of a formal game, a recreational pastime that brought a seaside community together.

W.A. Collins, also known as "Collie", was married to a Scottish woman, and her father, “Pickman,” had once played a role in planning the course at Portmarnock Golf Club. Golf ran in the family, and Collie himself wasn’t just a player; he had a real passion for the game. He was inspired to create a sports club in Fountainstown, complete with a Pitch and Putt course, tennis courts, croquet and more.

Honouring Jimmy’s Legacy - One of the Men Who Built the Original Course

Aoife Fitzgerald proudly honours the legacy of her grandfather, Jimmy Fitzgerald, who was part of the original crew that built the Pitch and Putt course in 1936. Jimmy brought the course to life, and today, Aoife honours that legacy as a Committee member.

(Dan Donovan, Jimmy Fitzgerald and Jim Perrott helped build the original Pitch and Putt course back in the 1930's)

(Jimmy’s home, built over 350 years ago, was the very first cottage in Fountainstown. Though the cottage no longer stands, Aoife now lives there with her own family)

We must fully appreciate the work produced by Mr. Collins and his crew back in the 1930s.

Fountainstown is proud to be credited with the start of the game, to have played its part in this global sport, to have faced the challenges which the development of any competitive sport can entail. This includes establishing structured rules and a formal competitive framework, working without the top-class machinery we have today, and contending with the sea air and gusting, cutting winds.

Today, we are spoiled with modern equipment and resources. We have social media. We have a GoFundMe page that calls to people across counties and the world over to support our restoration goals. What they had 89 years ago was raw enthusiasm, gumption, an ideal and a dream. Today, we would like to continue that dream and breathe new life into this community gem.

(Poem on Fountainstown Pitch and Putt, 1947 Pitch and Putt Golf Magazine)

Our Mission

While the course remains well-loved and maintained by the hard work of dedicated people, time has taken its toll. It is, quite simply, a little tired! Whilst its beauty, character, and legacy remain intact, our greens are in need of restoration to bring them up to modern playing standards, all while preserving the charm and character that make our 9-hole community course so special. We are embarking on a journey, restoring one green at a time, and we need your help.

This course is a community treasure, beloved by locals, holidaymakers, and year-round swimmers. It’s brimming with pride and carries the energy and enthusiasm of a committee and a community that loves being active.

Be part of this incredible journey. Help us bring the home of Pitch and Putt back to life!

Donate today and become part of history!

Who We Are

We are a crew of passionate volunteers bringing energy, heart, and a whole lot of hustle to restore something special. Our goal is simple: to celebrate what we have, protect its legacy, and bring new life to Pitch and Putt in Fountainstown. Read more about Fountainstown Community Sports Club here: www.fcsc.ie

Sources

Golf Digest; FIPPA; Evening Echo 1969; The Irish Times ; Pitch and Putt Ireland ; Golfing Union of Ireland Presidential Letter 1986 (see image)