Fred Smith

Fred Smith was a notable golf course architect active in the early 20th century, recognized especially for his work at Ballybunion Golf Club in County Kerry, Ireland. In 1926, Smith was commissioned by Ballybunion to inspect new potential parcels of land and offer guidance on the extension and modernization of their course. Representing Carters Tested Seeds Limited of Raynes Park, Surrey, Smith played a pivotal role in transforming Ballybunion into an 18-hole course, with his recommended routing through the Sandhills land adopted by the club. His design opened for play in 1927 and established the foundation for Ballybunion’s later international acclaim. Smith’s work embodied the principles of classic links golf: natural routing, strategic challenge, and sensitivity to the coastal environment. While later renovations by other architects would further evolve the layout, Fred Smith’s vision and practical design expertise laid the cornerstone for one of Ireland’s most celebrated links courses.