The construction programme at Doonbeg Golf Club is entering its final weeks with everything on schedule for an early May opening of the Lodge, Clubhouse, Spa and Suites. The construction programme, which began in May 2004, has seen the development of the first phase of the physical infrastructure designed to complement the award winning links golf course designed by Greg Norman. The course, which opened in July 2002, was selected as the Best New International Course of 2002 by ‘Golf Digest’.
This phase of the building project has seen the construction of the Lodge, the clubhouse and the inter-connected accommodation in the Garden, Norman and Courtyard Suites. The magnificent Lodge building which is the centrepiece of the entire development looks out over the first tee and the eighteenth green. It contains 15 luxury suites, dining facilities, bars and a state-of-the-art spa.
The Garden, Norman and Courtyard Suites which are connected to the Lodge and the golf clubhouse by a series of interconnected courtyards contain a further 32 luxury suites. All but three of the suites have been sold in advance of opening. While the suites are privately owned they are leased back to Doonbeg and form a bank of accommodation available to visitors.
The construction team of L&M Keating and John Paul Construction have begun to hand the various buildings over to the Doonbeg team for final fitting out. Already some of the Doonbeg staff have moved to their new offices in the complex.
Ireland’s most famous gardener, Diarmuid Gavin, has been working with Doonbeg course superintendent, Jim McKenna, on a stunning landscaping project which includes the link between the various buildings and the course and also the various interlinked courtyards.
The entire development will officially open in early May. General Manager, Joe Russell, is delighted with progress and said, “We have already had quite a number of bookings and that before we have done any real promotion of what is available.”
In recent months he has been hiring the many new staff required for the project. “At the height of the season we will have in excess of 220 staff when you take in both permanent and seasonal staff.”
Doonbeg Golf Club www.doonbeggolfclub.com
