DESTINATION GOLF 2022
Monarch of the Glen .
The revered Druids Glen is undergoing a major overhaul as it seeks to reclaim the crown of ‘ Best Irish Parkland ’.
By Kevin Markham
Druids Glen has long been one of Ireland ’ s favourite parkland courses – certainly so here at Destination Golf – and it has the most vibrant and wholesome setting of any parkland we can think of . It opened in 1995 , and promptly hosted the Irish Open for four consecutive years , including a victory for Sergio Garcia , in 1999 . It was his first professional tournament at a mere 19 years ’ of age . Druids Glen was the darling of the Irish golf scene and it had praise heaped upon it from every quarter .
In recent years , though , so much has been happening with Irish golf courses that Druids Glen was left behind . It still had vibrancy in abundance – it is not idly referred to as the ‘ Augusta of Ireland ’ – and the water-laced back nine has never been anything less than daunting and beautiful , but there was a lack of forward momentum . A sharpening up of the edges was required , as was an ambition to bring the course back to its best – or better – so it could host major championships once again . Who , after all , would not want to see the world ’ s best taking on the par-3 17th , with its green surrounded by water on three sides , or the famed par-4 13th , one of Ireland ’ s most intimidating holes ?
Druids Glen Resort was purchased in 2019 , by the Neville family and , shortly after the purchase the new owners confirmed their commitment to the golf business when they announced significant investment in both golf courses , starting with Druids Heath . The stated goal was to ensure “ a high-quality golf experience for members and guests at the resort ”. In layman ’ s language that means re-establishing Druids Glen as the best parkland in Ireland … but the owners have bigger game in mind , too , such as attracting Championship tournaments , like the Irish Open . With those intentions in mind a design team of Peter McEvoy , Jeff Lynch of ( re ) Golf , alongside John Clarkin of world renowned agronomists , Turfgrass , was formed . They combine a wealth of skills and expertise .
These renovations will not be a complete course redesign – as anyone who has played Druids Glen knows , that would be entirely unnecessary – thereby ensuring that the key natural features of the course are retained and enhanced , and that the history and magic of this wonderful course will shine brightly once again . But it is not the courses alone that will be lavished with investment – a new twostorey members ’ clubhouse will be built while the famous Woodstock House will also be upgraded . Elsewhere , the hotel will receive significant investment , too .
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