Carton House, the breathtaking Irish hotel and golf resort outside Dublin, has been named European Golf Resort of the Year 2008 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
The award was presented to Carton House general manager David Webster and golf sales & marketing manager Aine Mangan at the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner in Cancun, Mexico on Thursday 6th December 2007 on the final night of the International Golf Travel Market.
“This is a great honour for Carton House and wonderful recognition from the world’s leading golf tour operators,” said Aine Mangan. “Our aim has always been to provide the very finest golf experience for our members and guests and this award recognises the achievement of that aim. As Europe’s Golf Resort of the Year, we will continue to strive to set the standards for golf course presentation, customer service and outstanding value for money.”
General manager of Carton House, David Webster said, “Carton House is a retreat for those who wish to indulge their passion for the game of golf, a sporting sanctuary where our world-class golf courses are complimented beautifully by our exquisite hotel, spa and conference facilities. This award reaffirms Carton as one of the world’s great golf destinations.”
Course Superintendent, John Plummer said, “At Carton House we are committed to presenting our two magnificent golf courses in superb condition throughout the year. This award will inspire us to continue to strive for perfect golfing conditions for every golfer, every time they play.”
The award is yet further recognition for the much loved and respected resort, which was the recent winner of Ireland’s best new hotel at the Hospitality Ireland Awards Conference in Dublin.
Located 14 miles west of Dublin City Centre and 30 minutes from Dublin International Airport, the historic 1,100 acre estate of Carton Demesne was built in 1739 and is one of Ireland’s greatest stately homes.
Recently the Golfing Union of Ireland, the oldest golfing union in the world, opened their new headquarters at Carton House. It includes a golf museum and the national academy which offers indoor driving bays, grassed tee areas and an extensive short game practice area with three USGA-spec greens and a large bunker complex.
Inspired by the greatest links lands of the world, The Montgomerie Course at Carton House, designed by Colin Montgomerie, pays tribute to the traditions of the game and sets a challenge like no other. The 7,300 yard ‘links style’ course is a journey across sweeping firm fairways, cavernous bunkers and impeccable greens. It is an adventure from first to last and is proud to have hosted the world’s finest golfers at the 2005 and 2006 Irish Opens.
Designed by two-time major championship winner Mark O’Meara, The O’Meara Course at Carton House is a classic parkland experience which meanders through acres of glorious pastures, ancient woodland and skirts the banks of the River Rye. An exquisite course that leaves you breathless with admiration and exhilaration throughout every one of its 7,006 yards, it hosted the Irish Amateur Championship in 2005.
The IAGTO’s 300+ golf tour operators from 46 different countries cast their votes for these Awards. Each operator was asked to nominate what they considered to be the best performing golf resorts this year enjoyed by their golf travelling clients. There are an estimated 2000 golf resorts in total worldwide. The golf resort in each of the three regions with the most number of votes receives the 2008 Golf Resort of the Year accolade. Operators were asked to consider the following criteria;
• Customer Satisfaction
• Quality of Golf Course/s & Accommodation
• Value for money
• Accessibility to Tee Times
• Speed of communication and quality of service of the golf resort sales, marketing, reservation, administration and management staff.
Carton House www.cartonhouse.com
IAGTO www.iagto.com