Golf in Ireland kicked off its expanded presence at this year’s PGA Show with an on-site event that introduced the media and invited guests to details of Ireland’s newest course – Curracloe Links – which is set to open in 2026.
Hosted by Golf Channel’s Matt Adams, invited guests heard from Paul Vaughan, Director of Golf at Ardglass Golf Club; Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland EVP; and Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Design, whose company will break ground at Curracloe Links in February.
Less than two hours from Dublin, the course, developed by the Neville Group, is located right next to the white sands of Curracloe Beach which was the filming location for Steven Spielberg’s epic ‘Saving Private Ryan’.
Straka said: “The ancient linksland of Curracloe Links, with its rolling hills, long sea views and rugged natural bunkers, will offer a quintessential Irish links experience and lure people from all over the world to its fairways.”
The announcement of development of the golf course comes as the Ravenport Resort, a luxury hotel with 50 rooms, a spa and leisure club, prepares to commence operation this spring. The €20 million project, which is being developed by the Neville Hotel Group, is the culmination of a 25-year dream to develop a golf destination and resort that introduces travellers from around the world to the untouched beauty of southeast Ireland, one of the country’s undiscovered gems.
More than 30 partners will represent Golf in Ireland on booth 3673 at the PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando this week.
Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President Tourism Ireland North America, said: “The PGA Show provides an excellent opportunity for our golf partners to meet and do business with US golf professionals and industry partners, as well as highlight the unique nature of an Irish golf experience to media. The continued investment in golf, as seen with the Curracloe Links project, means Ireland will carry on offering an unforgettable, world class golfing experience, for our visitors.”
Ms Metcalfe continued: “The US golf market remains a priority for Tourism Ireland, and we continue to promote the island of Ireland as a leading golf destination. Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel market and Tourism Ireland, together with our partners Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, is working hard to drive home the message that a golfing vacation on the island of Ireland is about much more than a round of 18 holes – the combination of our world-class links, located all around the island of Ireland, and our unique brand of hospitality, plays a key role in attracting US golfers to visit.”
Ireland will once again find itself at the centre of the golf world in the coming years as hosts The Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2025, while Adare Manor will be the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2027. The 2024 Irish Open will be played in September at the world-renowned Royal County Down.
For more information on Golf in Ireland, visit www.ireland.com