Luttrellstown Closing at end of 2009

[Ron Kern]

Rec'd the following in the email this A.M.

GOLF : LUTTRELLSTOWN CASTLE has become the latest high-profile casualty of the economic downturn as the five-star golf resort in Dublin, owned by leading Irish businessmen JP McManus, John Magnier and Aidan Brooks, will close at the end of 2009 because the business is "no longer sustainable going forward".

"It is true, Luttrellstown is closing and we advised the committee and our members yesterday," said Luttrellstown chief executive Colm Hannon last night.

"There has been a significant shortfall and losses have been incurred since we opened. Going forward we do not see the situation changing. It is very regrettable but running a golf course at Luttrellstown is no longer sustainable."

Article:  Click Here

An old friend played here and had some very good things to say about the course.  Maybe they will be able to get things going again when the economy turns around... when.

[Rich Goodale]

Thanks for this, Ron

It looks like a harbinger of things to come, i.e. the death (or at least morbidity) of the business model which relies on "golfers" front-load funding the capital costs of a course.  Looks like Magnier and McManus have kept the most valuable assets of the project (i.e. everything but the golf course) for themselves, which is not much of a surprise.

Caveat emptor.

Rich

[John Nixon]

At the other end, perhaps, of the spectrum, officials in Richmond, Indiana announced the closing, er, reconfiguration of the city's 9 hole Glen Miller course to a 3 hole practice facility and driving range, and the possible closing of the city's 18 hole course:

"Budget woes prompt closing of Richmond golf course

Updated: Dec 16, 2008 10:19 AM EST

Richmond - Richmond officials are closing an 85-year-old city golf course in an effort to save money.

The city's Parks Board voted Monday to convert the nine-hole Glen Miller Golf Course into a three-hole practice course and driving range.

Parks Board chairman Avis Stewart says the course will be unstaffed, but maintained as a "green space." The other six holes may be developed for alternative uses, such as walking paths and disc golf.

Board members say they may also have to close the city's 18-hole Highland Lakes course if finances continue to deteriorate.

The parks department's golf division has had deficits of more than $300,000 over the last six years while operating both courses.

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.) "

[Sam Maryland]

SunTrust bank took over Hansentree outside of Raleigh, NC -- a new high-end private Fazio course.  It's still open.


Colonial Bank took over River Run in Birmingham, a low-price point 36-hole public track.  Last I heard they had closed it up for the time being.


uuugh...