Nicklaus to Renovate St. Patricks

[Mike_Trenham]

A friend of mine sent me the following news from Ireland.  Not knowing the plans it is not fair to comment but it seems to me that agronomy was the problem not Eddie Hackett's design.  I hope it turns out great as it is a wonderful site.  Skip the Southwest go to the Northwest.

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Nicklaus to redesign Carrigart Golf course Nov 14, 1:10 pm
After last week's historic All Blacks visit to Donegal, another sporting legend touches down in the county tomorrow. Golfer Jack Nicklaus is designing a major upgrade to the St patrick's Links Courses in Carrigart as part of a major tourism development.

There have been previous attempts to have a major golf development in Carrigart, but permission has now been granted for a five star hotel along with the redesigning of the two St Patrick's Links courses.

The development is being spearheaded by Mc Cafferty Developments, and tomorrow evening will see the legendary Jack Nicklaus arrive in Carrigart to sign contracts to design the course upgrades.

It's hoped the first of the golf courses will be complete within 15 months, with the developers hoping that the hotel may attract tax breaks. It'll be operated by an international chain, with details to be announced after Christmas.

[David_Tepper]

Wow! This is more than a little surprising. McCafferty Development must have some pretty deep pockets to afford Nicklaus' fee on a project like this. I know a lot of money has been spent on golf course projects elsewhere in Ireland, but Carrigart is a long way from anywhere. Then again, I am sure Norman's fee a Doonbeg (also a long way from anywhere) was pretty stiff as well.  

Does anyone know if these projects (K-Club, Mt. Juliet, Doonbeg, etc.) are carrying their weight economically?

[PThomas]

a great opportunity for Jack to use all that Tom D taught him about greens at Sebonac!