Arthur Spring

[Adam Lawrence]

Irish golf architect Dr Spring died last week aged 70, after a long illness.

Arthur had been trying to get permission to build in the well known dune complex at Inch in SW Ireland for many years. More recently, Mike Keiser and Jim Urbina had become involved, but my understanding is that Arthur remained the key to any chance of planning approval. Could -- finally -- be the end of the Inch project.

[David Ober]

So sad to hear this. I met Arthur by chance (after a round at Dooks) on my trip to Ireland last year with some buddies. He was one of the most gracious men I have ever met. Treated us to a round of golf at Ballybunion and then bought us dinner afterwards. A true gentleman.

[Tim_Weiman]

Adam:

About fifteen years ago Arthur gave me a tour of Inch. At that point, he told me he was 17 years into the planning permission process with no end in sight. So, yes, he certainly worked on Inch for a long time hoping that he would eventually be successful. Part of his motivation was the site itself, of course. But it was also clear there was more than a little frustration over losing the fight for the property that eventually become Doonbeg.

Arthur was very kind to me and I will always remember and appreciate his kindness.