James McKenna

James McKenna was a professional golfer, golf course designer, athletic products manufacturer, and teacher. He was also one of the pioneers of professional golf in Ireland and forever carved his name in the history of Irish golf.

James McKenna was born in 1876 in the suburbs of Clontarf in Dublin, Ireland. At the young age of 17, he joined Lahinch to become the club’s first resident pro. A year after turning professional in 1894, he became an assistant to Old Tom Morris who was supervising improvements to Lahinch’s layout until 1899. These apprenticeship years were crucial to his future as both a golf course designer and golf professional.

He left Lahinch to join Carrickmines Golf Club in 1900. During this time, he was given freedom by the club to frequently travel and help assist other golf clubs with their own course designs. During his golf architecture career, he is credited with the designs of the Ballybunion, Killiney, Waterville, and Hermitage routings, and was a significant contributor to the rebuilding of Lucan Golf Club.

As a professional golfer, he was a founding member of the Irish Professional Golfers Association and was part of the 4-man panel in charge of drafting their constitution and as a guide for their benevolent fund. He played for the Irish International team that competed in the 1907 Springvale Bowl and was a part of the first-ever Irish PGA Championship.

He took a position at Rossmore in County Monaghan in 1920 before moving to Armagh Golf Club in 1924. He remained there for over 20 years until he officially retired at the age of 76.

Website: https://irishgolfarchive.com/the_golfers_gallery/mckenna-james/