Adare Manor, one of Ireland’s most distinguished resort hotels in the midst of a groundbreaking expansion, has selected world-renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio to spearhead the redesign of the property’s highly anticipated golf course at Adare Manor, set to reopen fall 2017.
Currently celebrated as the top parkland golfing experience in Ireland, the existing championship course, which is set amid magnificent mature trees and aquatic features including a 14-acre lake and The River Maigue, will be entirely restructured to include an extensively renovated course as well as a new arrival experience, driving range, caddy program and clubhouse. Upon completion, the new course will match the grandeur of the Manor House with a classic and well-manicured look while enjoying modern conveniences for an unparalleled golfing experience.
“We are extremely honored to partner with Tom Fazio on the creation of what will be a very special golfing experience” said Colm Hannon, chief executive officer of Adare Manor. “Mr. Fazio’s reputation as an exceptional course designer precedes him and our guests and members will benefit from his expertise and passion for creating stunning yet sustainable golf courses.”
Each hole of the golf course at Adare Manor will have distinct character and strategic playability options. Any hole could be a “signature” hole. Fazio was also charged with considering the design strategy and infrastructure commitments necessary to host premier amateur and professional golf events.
Other work includes improved drainage, new irrigation and water delivery as well as sand capping of all fairways and roughs for the driest playing conditions. Construction will include greens and bunkers as well as significant underground installations for drainage and wiring for tournament power, media and telecommunications. In addition, Fazio will account for hospitality and infrastructure of roadways and access areas for major golf events and operational usage.
“This course will be a total tribute to the vision and commitment the McManus family has for the region and Ireland,” said Fazio. “I look forward to working with Adare Manor to build an enjoyable course that not only complements the stunning setting but blends with the grounds as if it’s been there forever. Our goal is for golfers to remember this course as one they dream of playing time and time again.”
Adare Manor is situated in the heart of Adare Village in County Limerick. The largest restoration project of its kind in Ireland, the renovation and expansion will honor the building’s architectural heritage as a Neo-Gothic masterpiece while incorporating the latest in contemporary luxury. Most notably, the expansion will include a new 42-bedroom wing, increasing accommodations to a total of 104 guest rooms, a ballroom which can host up to 350 guests, as well as the Fazio course overhaul. The 842 acres of Adare Manor’s beautiful parkland, walled gardens and walking trails will be enhanced and will offer an extensive range of pursuits, including falconry, archery, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, state of the art spa and cinema.
OTHER IRELAND GOLF NEWS
Ballybunion Golf Club — This well-regarding golf destination embarked on a bold renovation to rebuild all 18 greens on the club’s famous Old Course and convert them to the fine, fescue turf that has become the hallmark of classic links golf. Graeme Webster spearheaded the redesign to remedy poor drainage and install a new sandy soil profile. Last year, an intense regimen of seeding and top-dressing protected the greens and allowed for an onslaught of play. www.ballybuniongolfclub.com
Waterville Golf Links — Nestled in the southwest of the Ring of Kerry, Waterville Golf Links is in the process of renovating its vintage 1970s clubhouse. The redesign will increase space for the pro shop and locker rooms, which will be visible on the course next spring. In addition, Waterville has created sod-walled pot bunkers, attracting golfers with a taste for formalized hazards. This summer, Waterville will debut a new course created by Robert Trent Jones Jr. called Hog Heads, located a five-minute drive from the grounds. A private club with cottage accommodations, Hog Heads has been sand-capped to play like a true links course. www.watervillegolflinks.ie
