Plans for new links course on Aran Islands in West of Ireland

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/golf/inishmore-bucks-trend-with-plans-for-worldclass-links-2923048.html

"Discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities and if all goes well with plans and permissions, the course will open in 2013."

It all sounds so easy ... 

[Marty Bonnar]

How I love the land of my Fathers.
Put down the Bushmills and step away from the bar, boys...
Nice looking site, though.
F.

[Wade Schueneman]

I hope it works out.  That will be a VERY windy course though.

[jeffwarne]

Can't speak for the planning and permission, but........
the best time to start a business is during a recession.
Perhaps the planning gurus might give a pass to get someone working

 in good proximity to other great golf and Shannon airport.
here's hoping they don't get any "help"
be nice to see an Irish product of simple means and low cost basis that doesn't need a lot of frills and infrastructure
Hopefully Mel's from the Hackett school........

[Tom_Doak]

Can't speak for the planning and permission, but........
the best time to start a business is during a recession.
Perhaps the planning gurus might give a pass to get someone working

 in good proximity to other great golf and Shannon airport.
here's hoping they don't get any "help"
be nice to see an Irish product of simple means and low cost basis that doesn't need a lot of frills and infrastructure
Hopefully Mel's from the Hackett school........

Jeff:

While I understand your sentiment, I don't understand recommending that someone building a new course should eschew professional help.  There are a lot of talented architects who would be glad to help for a small fee, which would likely more than pay for itself in construction $ saved.

Eddie Hackett himself was expert "help".

[jeffwarne]

Can't speak for the planning and permission, but........
the best time to start a business is during a recession.
Perhaps the planning gurus might give a pass to get someone working

 in good proximity to other great golf and Shannon airport.
here's hoping they don't get any "help"
be nice to see an Irish product of simple means and low cost basis that doesn't need a lot of frills and infrastructure
Hopefully Mel's from the Hackett school........

Jeff:

While I understand your sentiment, I don't understand recommending that someone building a new course should eschew professional help.  There are a lot of talented architects who would be glad to help for a small fee, which would likely more than pay for itself in construction $ saved.

Eddie Hackett himself was expert "help".

Didn't mean that kind've help
wow, that was quick

no doubt building smart would involve a talented architect
just not sure I want to see Troon or Kemper on the scene

[Ally Mcintosh]

Mel Flanagan has been involved in at least a few designs, his best known being Rathcore in County Meath...

I've no idea how they will get on with the planning authorities, most of whom aren't looking too kindly on golf at the moment regardless of the reccession... Ireland lost the run of itself with the oversized and over specified developments in the 90's and 00's and so unfortunately golf has a worse name than it ever did....

That aside, the problem may be as much public safety as environmental.... The Aran Islands are popular tourist destinations and that routing has about four holes crossing beaches... Spectacular I'm sure if it all goes through...

[Shane Wright]

Donal, thank you for sharing this. 

I will be back in Ireland in 2013.  This looks to be a really cool site assuming it can happen.   Hopefully they get some experienced advice on the layout.  I know how tempting it is to try and do it yourself but the long term effect of having some help could be more beneficial. 

Question for the locals - What is the best way to travel to the Aran Islands and how long does it take from say Shannon Airport? 

[Jim Eder]

I am hoping it happens, it could be pretty wonderful if it does happen.  I am sure it will be tough but I am hoping..............

Does anyone have any new info on the course that Faldo was planning to do at Bartra Island?

[Brett Hochstein]

Found it on google maps.  Looks like a pretty awesome site.  Hope it both happens and sustains itself.  One tip though: wide fairways/playable roughs.  Nothing to stop the wind for thousands of miles out there.

[Ken Kearney]

Re: Bartra
Jim,
The project is shelved for now, as best as I know. The site has environmental sentitivities (same snail they had at Doonbeg - Vertigo Angustior, being just one) that includes moving / evolving primary sand dunes.
I did an environmental college assignment on this site. Funny thing is, it isnt that good a "golfing" site, even if it does get built.
Of course, access is a problem also. Although I remember some people suggesting that golfers will be thrilled with the novelty ferry ride to Bartra... doubt it !! I nearly got savaged by a huge seal when I landed on shore one day. That's not pretty.. a large Irish guy being chased by a very large , and thankfully slower than me, seal..


KK