The vision for setting up East Clare Golf Club had its origins among members of the Derg Golf Society which had been established locally in 1988.

Land at Coolreagh Bodyke was identified as a possible location and in 1991, John Joyce, Michael Hogan, Michael Fahy, TJ McNamara and Tom Murray negotiated the purchase of the land from Michael Boland and Patrick Tuohy, local farmers.

Bodyke Castletown Trust Ltd was formed and raised £500,000 in shares from 230 shareholders. Initially a 9-hole course with temporary greens was developed.

Subsequently, golf architect Arthur Spring was contracted to design the 18-hole course and a temporary clubhouse was erected.

The development was grant aided by Shannon Development under the Agri-tourism capital grant programme, and ongoing valuable support was also given by FAS.

In 1992 the club was given official status by the Golfing Union of Ireland. Additional land was purchased in 1995-96 from the Curtin family. This led to the completion of the 18-hole championship course and ultimately the building of the clubhouse which was officially opened in July 2001.

In August 1998 the club had the honour of hosting the P.G.A Seniors Tour, West of Ireland Championship.

The ambition of the founders was to create a ‘Members Owned Club’. This was achieved in the year 2007 when the members purchased the club from Bodyke Castletown Trust shareholders.

This centrally located parkland course with natural charm and beauty is 6031 meters long.