on 7 June 1894. Also in that year, Royal Dublin hosted its first championship event, the Irish Amateur Open. The list of great golfers who have played the links is long and distinguished, and includes major winners like Ian Woosnam, Ian Baker-Finch, Curtis Strange, Sandy Lyle, Corey Pavin, Bob Charles and Wayne Grady. In addition, television commentator David Feherty won his first professional tournament at Royal Dublin - the 1980 Irish National PGA Championship. In fact Royal Dublin hosted the tournament from 1978 through 1980 and was won by Christy O'Connor, Des Smyth and David Feherty respectively. The tournament continues to this day as the Irish PGA Championship which was won by Padraig Harrington the week before both of his British Open victories. Since then the greatest golfers in the world - both professional and amateur - have come to play in some of Ireland's great tournaments at the famed links. Famous non-professional golfers who have visited the club, include former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, the former Presidents of Ireland, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, and the former American President, Bill Clinton. Controversy The club has faced public criticism for restrictions on membership for women. The club website does not specifically mention restrictions for female members, however a 2017 Irish Times article highlighted the club's restrictive policy with respect to female members in the context of recent changes internationally, with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews's in Scotland ending its policy banning female members in 2014. In 2021 the members of Royal Dublin voted to amend the clubs’ constitution to allow for female membership. See also List of golf clubs granted Royal status Golf in Ireland References External links Official site 1885 establishments in Ireland Sports clubs in Dublin (city) Sports venues in Dublin (city) Royal Dublin Royal Dublin Royal Dublin Clontarf, Dublin Raheny Royal Dublin Sports venues completed in 1885 Royal golf clubs