Golfnotes

IRELAND

Ernie ELS puts his signature
on Kinsale links course (County of Cork)

Ernie Els is to bring world class status to the €200 million Kinsale Harbour Resort by designing the signature 18-hole championship course at this prestigious new development near Kinsale, County Cork in Ireland.
The course, which takes its name from an historical local landmark, will be known as Hangman’s Point. It is designed over 260 acres at a spectacular location overlooking the Celtic sea and incorporating breathtaking views of the Kinsale coastline.

Hangman’s Point will be a designated PGA course managed by PGA Golf Management. The combined technical and marketing benefits to Kinsale Harbour Resort of Ernie Els Design and the PGA are considerable.
Commenting on his appointment, Ernie said: “This is truly a fantastic opportunity to combine a passion for the game in Ireland together with my team’s design talents. It also marks a debut for my team at Ernie Els Design in Ireland and this exciting new international golf resort means that I shall be able to spend more time in this spectacular part of the world.
The PGA branding is also extended beyond the course, as there will be a PGA Golf Academy. This will be a National Centre of Excellence for golf in the country and will provide the facilities and services for the training of PGA professionals and elite players, in addition to the development of the game for the local and regional community.
The Golf Course, Golf Academy and clubhouse (except the food & beverages) will be managed and promoted by PGA Golf Management. PGAGM will be responsible for the set up, operation, promotion and maximisation of opportunities created by the PGA brand.
Kinsale Harbour Resort is a unique collaboration between Cork-based XCES Projects, Hyatt International, the PGA and PGA Golf Management
The project will include:
- 200-room, 5-Star deluxe Hyatt Hotel and Holiday resort lodges with conference facilities and a Destination Spa;
- An Ernie Els designed, PGA Golf Management operated, 18-hole, 260 acre Championship Golf Course, capable of hosting major International Events, Clubhouse and state of the art Golf Academy.
- International-standard Indoor and Outdoor Equestrian Complex, together with a 500-seater Indoor Arena capable of hosting International Events.
Hyatt will be the overall resort operator, including the Equestrian facility and clubhouse catering.
PGA Golf Management will operate, maintain and promote all golf relations facilities on the site including the clubhouse operations.
Hyatt International is among the top ten global hotel groups with 90,000 bedrooms in 212 properties in 35 countries.
The Kinsale Harbour Resort will be Hyatt International’s first venture in Ireland and Hyatt International will be the first major hotel operator to locate in the South West region. Kinsale Harbour Resort will more than double the stock of five star accommodation in Cork.