1922
Joseph Benedict Carr is born in Inchicore, Dublin.
A Family Tradition of Golfing Hospitality
Carr Golf is rooted in a deep tradition of golfing excellence and Irish hospitality. Our family history informs everything we do, echoing a golfing story over a century old. This story begins in 1922 with Ireland’s greatest ever amateur golfer, Joe Carr.
Our founder
Joe (J.B.) Carr
Joe Carr was born in Dublin in 1922, and began playing golf from a young age at Portmarnock Golf Club.
Carr won his first major tournament, the East of Ireland Amateur, at the age of 19 in 1941. He went on to win twelve East of Ireland titles, twelve West of Ireland titles, six Irish Amateur Close Championships, four Irish Amateur Opens, and three South of Ireland titles.
Joe Carr enjoyed one of Ireland’s greatest golfing careers, culminating in his election to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2007.
A Legacy of Success
Beyond his domestic success, Joe Carr won The Amateur Championship three times, in 1953, 1958, and 1960, and was runner-up in 1968. He was a semifinalist at the U.S. Amateur in 1961, and was low amateur at The Open Championship in both 1956 and 1958. In 1960, he finished 8th overall.
In 1967, he became the first Irishman to play in the Masters Tournament, and successfully made the cut. Carr received the Bob Jones Award in 1961, the USGA’s highest honour, which is given for “distinguished sportsmanship in golf”. He was the first non-American to win the award.
Internationally, Carr represented Ireland in numerous amateur golfing events. He was a member of a record eleven Walker Cup teams from 1947 to 1967, including non-playing captain in 1965 and playing captain in 1967, amassing a record of 5-14-1. Carr retired from competitive golf in 1971, after his son Roddy played for the winning Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team.
The course he has designed himself, Old Head at Kinsale Cork, provides a unique challenge to visitors, with a breathtaking promontory furnishing 13 of the 18 holes with cliffside fairways.
Had Carr been asked to pick just one course where he could play the rest of his golf, it would be no contest. He would choose St. Andrews, scene of his 1958 win and where, at one time, he held the course records on both the Old and New Course.
In 1991, Joe Carr was named Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the first Irishman to hold the post. In July 2007, Carr was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Lifetime Achievement category.
Throughout Carr’s illustrious career, he forged deep friendships with golfers on both sides of the Atlantic. His natural warmth and extensive knowledge of Irish and Scottish golf made him an excellent host, providing the inspiration for Carr Golf, which continues Joe’s legacy of hospitality to the present day.
The foundation of Carr Golf
Joe (J.B.) Carr: A Life in Golf
Joe Carr’s story began over a century ago, and continues to inspire golfers today.
1953
J.B. Carr wins his first British Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake), defeating Harvie Ward of the U.S.A. 2up.
1958
J.B. Carr wins his second British Amateur Championship at The Old Course St. Andrews, conquering England’s Alan Thirlwell 3&2.
1960
J.B. romps home to an 8&7 victory over Robert Cochran to claim his third and final British Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club.
1961
Receives The Bob Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship in golf.
1967
Receives an invitation to his first of three Masters at Augusta National where he would go on to be a member.
1967
Captains the GB & I Walker Cup team to victory at Baltimore Country Club, USA.
1989
Founded Carr Golf
2004
One of Ireland’s greatest golfers and most esteemed sportsmen, died in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin at the age of 82 after a short illness.
2007
Carr was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in the Lifetime Achievement category and was inducted in November 2007.
A history of hospitality
Transatlantic Friendship
Joe Carr’s international success built a connection between the Carr family and golfers in the USA, UK, and the wider world of golf. This began a history of hospitality, built upon expertise, friendship, and ‘having the craic’.
Inside knowledge of the best courses
We know the golf landscape like the back of our hand, and plan your trips accordingly.
A sincere love for golf
Our team immerse ourselves in golf, and care deeply about your playing experience on the course.
Appreciating a good time
Beyond the golfing itself, we help you kick back and have fun, all in the best local spots.
Preserving our traditions
Past and Present
Carr Golf is built upon clear principles established at its foundation, and these continue to shape the journeys we deliver today. By staying true to our traditions, we offer a truly unique and sincere experience.
Proper Irish hospitality
We believe in warm welcomes, close communication, and attentive service. Our experiences are truly personal and memorable as a result.
Having the craic
The best golf journeys should be fun and carefree, and we know exactly how to let your group relax in style.
The very best food and drink
Wherever you travel, we’ll have access to exceptional hotels, restaurants, and pubs.
Plan with our team
Designed specifically for you.
From the first tee to the final craic at the 19th hole and beyond, let our expert planners curate your perfect journey. Backed by decades of family tradition, we handle every detail so you can focus on the game.
Plan with our team
Designed specifically for you.
From the first tee to the final craic at the 19th hole and beyond, let our expert planners curate your perfect journey. Backed by decades of family tradition, we handle every detail so you can focus on the game.
Sean Benville
Trip Planning Manager
Alison Duffin
Events Manager
Susan McCann
Chief Operating Officer