Doonbeg Golf Club, the Greg Norman designed links golf course in west Co Clare, Ireland, has been given the green light, by An Bord Pleanala, to begin work on the accommodation and clubhouse phase of the development.
The overall Doonbeg Golf Club project, when completed, will represent an investment of €150 million. It is believed to be the largest single investment ever to be undertaken in the west Clare area. Yesterday (Wednesday, 11th February) Doonbeg received the go-ahead for the Lodge (which includes 56 luxury suites, about half of which have been sold subject to obtaining planning permission), the golf clubhouse, pro shop and 80 cottages. Construction work on the stone-clad lodge, clubhouse, pro shop, and spa will begin in the Spring.
Welcoming the decision, Joe Russell, general manager of Doonbeg Golf Club, said that the Club is delighted with the news. “We are very conscious of the need for better facilities for the many people playing our course. Last year, our first full year of operation, over 15,000 people played the course. Already bookings are looking strong for this year. It was essential that we put the accommodation in position as soon as possible, so today’s news is particularly welcome”
The Doonbeg course was designed by Greg Norman and opened in July 2002. It has already received many accolades worldwide, including a prestigious February 2003 ranking by Golf Digest as “Best New International Course.”
All of the main building contractors in Co Clare, together with a number of national companies, are being invited to tender for the project, which will be the largest construction project in the southwest for many years.
CCH Architects of Dublin, Norman Askins of Atlanta, Georgia, and John Haley of Kiawah Island, South Carolina, have collaborated on the architecture for phase one.
Leonard Long, executive vice president, Doonbeg Golf Club, said, “Our goal, though it may seem ambitious to some, is to bring our course, clubhouse, suites, spa, and other amenities to the highest level of service and elegance enjoyed anywhere in Europe. When you think of superb world-class golf and memorable accommodation, Doonbeg should come first to mind.” |
Doonbeg www.doonbeggolfclub.com