December 2022

The Ranges, Ireland

Founded in 1990, The Ranges Pitch and Putt club is situated just minutes from downtown Ballincollig.

The Ranges course is located at the site of the old Ballincollig Gunpowder Mill. The Mill commenced operation in 1794 and production ceased in 1903. Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills was one of three Royal Gunpowder Mills that manufactured gunpowder for the British Government.

The course adjoins the local GAA club. Interesting stone obstacles (mill stones) dot the course, including the clubhouse roof at one point. The Ranges members care about nature and wildlife, installing a number of bird boxes some years ago.

There's a gentle start in this sylvan setting with a 33 metre opning teeshot. The 45 metre 4th plays parallel to the boundary fence. The Index 10 7th plays 36 metres over a hedge. 

The 8th is a tiny 21 metre hole, requiring a pitch over a big front bunker, but is remarkably rated as Index 8.

Longest hole at The Ranges is the 62 metre 17th. Index 1 hole is the 50 metre 15th, which rapidly follows another 50 metre shot. 

The popular annual Ranges Scratch Cup (won in 2022 by 2013 World Strokeplay champion John Walsh) honours Jim Kavanagh, one of the central figures in the club's formation.