Irish Open star ‘Monty’ unveils new Druids Glen

The eight-time winner of the DP World Tour’s Order of Merit was in Co Wicklow last Friday to open the course and new clubhouse at a charity event for Family Carers Ireland.

The winning 2010 Ryder Cup captain cut the ribbon to mark the reopening of the course, and the successful charity event not only celebrated the newly renovated course but also raised €10,500 for a worthy cause.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the launch event for the newly restored Druids Glen Golf Course and to support such a worthy cause,” Montgomerie said. ‘This course has always been a special place for me, having won the Irish Open here twice.

‘It’s great to see the investment made to preserve the history and magic of the course while bringing it up to modern standards and I’m excited to see the enhancements that have been made to this already world-class course.”

The reimagined course is the result of an almost €10 million investment over the past 16 months, which involved stripping just over 90,000 m2 of topsoil and replacing it, the restoration of the greens which required 7,000 tonnes of rootzone, 2,000 tonnes of gravel and 5,000m of drainage.

The project also included the installation of a modern, wall-to-wall irrigation system and upgraded pathways covering a total of 26,000m2.

The project was led by course designer Peter McEvoy OBE along with John Clarkin of Turfgrass and other notable designers and contractors including DAR Golf and Jeff Lynch from reGOLF.

Seamus Neville, Owner of The Neville Hotel Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the charity event and the renovated course, which hopes to attract the Horizon Irish Open in the future.

”We are thrilled to be hosting this special event to benefit Family Carers Ireland,” he said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the reopening of Druids Glen Golf Course and clubhouse and to give back to our community through this worthy cause.”

Sue O’Grady, Marketing Manager of Family Carers Ireland added: “We are grateful for the generous support of Druids Glen Resort and the involvement of Colin Montgomerie in this fundraising event.

“The funds raised will go a long way in supporting the vital work of Family Carers Ireland in providing practical and emotional support to family carers across the country.”

Situated in idyllic surroundings in Co Wicklow and originally designed by Pat Ruddy and the late Tom Craddock, Druids Glen will officially reopen to visitors on June 1.

The resort also features an acclaimed spa and dining options that use the best of Irish produce.