Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has been commissioned to design a new 3,000 sq m putting course that is due to open next Spring at a public park on the outskirts of Dublin.
Funded jointly by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation and grants from the R&A and Golf Ireland, the new facility is located in the grounds of Marlay Park, five miles from the centre of Dublin, and is designed to provide an introduction to golf for people of all ages.
Speaking about the project, the construction of which is already under way, Harrington commented: “I have always been in awe of the popularity of the Himalayas Putting Course in St Andrews and wanted to be involved in providing something similar for the people of Ireland to allow them to experience golf in a fun and family focused setting.
“With this in mind, the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, with the assistance of a golf development grant from The R&A to contribute towards the construction of the facility and also a grant from Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme, will fund the design and construction of a unique putting course covering 3,000 square metres at Marlay Park, working in partnership with Turfgrass and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
“My sincere thanks go to John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass, Anthony Bennett at Atlantic Golf Construction, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and its parks team, all the contractors who have also offered their time and services for free or at preferential rates, as well as both The R&A and Golf Ireland for their generous grants.”
Councillor Lettie McCarthy, speaking on behalf of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with one of Irelands greatest sports stars. We very much look forward to its official opening in Spring 2022.”
