Portmarnock Golf Links is set to undergo significant renovation over the coming months, it was announced today.
The Bernhard Langer design, ranked #21 in the ‘Top 100 courses’ in the land by Irish Golfer for 2022, is situated on the rugged, North-Dublin peninsula, and is part of the capital’s only coastal resort hotel, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.
The introduction of six new green complexes and three new tee boxes will mark the beginning of an exciting new phase of investment for the resort. With the appointment of REGOLF Design, DAR Golf Construction and Aquaturf Solutions, the team are set to execute a multi-million euro upgrading and maintenance project.
The course will remain open throughout the project, temporarily adopting a 16-hole layout with three temporary greens and two temporary tee-boxes.
Since coming under the ownership of family-owned international hospitality group Northland Real Estate Properties in 2019, Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links has begun a transformation, with the Gaglardi family signalling their intent to improve all areas of the resort.
Spread across 203 acres and set on the grounds of the old Jameson Estate of St. Marnocks, the course has played host to professional and amateur events including the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open and the 2021 Irish Challenge.
Director of Golf, Paul McCanny said – “We are delighted to have REGOLF Design, DAR Golf Construction and Aquaturf Solutions undertaking this project as they are the best in the business. The new green and tee complexes will significantly enhance what is already a fantastic links.
Although we will continue play throughout the winter, we are really excited about the future and look forward to opening the new holes in 2023.”
The objective of the project is to significantly improve the course routing and design to enhance the overall golfing experience. The introduction of six new green complexes and three new tees will ensure a championship test while also remaining fair and playable for all levels of golfer. Enhanced views of the stunning Velvet Strand, Lambay and Ireland’s Eye will offer an added aspect to the links experience.
Course Architect, Jeff Lynch of REGOLF Design said – “Myself and REGOLF are excited to be consulting with the Gaglardi family and the team at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.
Our aim is to enhance the link between the guest and the coastal experience.
We endeavour to augment this natural connection at certain intervals throughout the course whilst complementing, if not adding to the strategy of the layout. We are hoping to deliver a handcrafted landscape for the golfer and the environment, that all involved with can be proud of.”
Fintan Brennan, Portmarnock Links Superintendent said – “Following on from the most recent golf course investment phase in 2017 we have continued to seek new areas in which to improve the links. This investment will allow us to further develop the quality of our fine fescue grasses and help to reduce our inputs of water, pesticides and nutrition.
These three areas are the key to building on the success of our sustainability and biodiversity strategies while maintaining the links presentation to the highest possible standards.”
Portmarnock Links will remain open for play during the works with careful consideration being made to allow for 16 holes to remain playable with three temporary greens and two temporary tee boxes.
Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links General Manager, William Kirby said “This is a multi-million-euro investment that not only futureproofs the course quality, but also further improves the challenge for all levels of tournament golf, members and hotel guests.
All of this paired with our focus on sustainability and biodiversity very much builds on the work the Greens Team have been carrying out for several years.
This is an extremely exciting time for everyone involved and we are really looking forward to opening the new links in 2023.”
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