There was a total of €11,423,015 delivered to golf clubs as part of the largest investment in the history of Irish sport and while it only goes a small way towards improving facilities for a sport that has given Ireland ten major wins in the men’s game since 2007, it will make a big difference to around 25pc of Irish clubs.
Golf Ireland did its bit by supporting clubs with their applications through tailored sessions designed to ensure clubs were prepared for the launch of the community facilities fund.
“This funding is another huge boost for sports facilities across Ireland,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
“We are grateful to the Government and Sport Ireland for the investment, which will ensure clubs have the facilities needed to thrive, grow, and enhance participation at all levels.”
Ardee Golf Club
Of the grants awarded to 108 clubs, six were for less than €30,000, while 20 were for more than €150,000.
County Longford got just €8,801 for ball-stop netting, Ballyheigue Castle needed only €18,529 to upgrade its bunkers, while Royal Curragh received €19,933 towards solar panels and irrigation projects.
Work on the car park, fairways, bunkers and tees meant just €24,499 for Cloughaneely in Donegal, while a grant of €27,458 will meet the cost of similar work at Castlegregory.
As for New Ross, a grant of €27,996 will improve accessibility and help fund an indoor coaching facility.
The big winners were Birr Golf Club, which received the top allocation of €195,175 towards its course development project.
Ardee in Co Louth will also benefit significantly after being granted €193,502 towards drainage works and machinery.
Perhaps the most exciting big money injection is the €193,502 earmarked for the new community putting course and wetland extension at Callan Golf Club in Co Kilkenny.
Top 20 grant recipients
1. Birr – Capital Expenditure and Course Development €195,175.00
2. Ardee – Enhanced access programme, drainage work and machine €193,502.00
3. Callan – Community Putting Course and Wetland Extension €186,869.00
4. Waterford – Irrigation System to improve water usage €183,381.00
5. Headfort – Bunker Upgrade & Equipment €182,717.00
6. Ballybofey & Stranorlar – Fairway mower, develop natural playing surface €181,421.00
7. Carlow – Upgrades to practice facilities and locker rooms. €178,564.00
8. Co Meath – Upgrade tee boxes & locker room accessibility €170,259.00
9. Portsalon – Clubhouse upgrades €170,259.00
10. Charleville – Grounds and dressing rooms €169,886.00
11. Baltinglass – Upgrade Irrigation to Protect Tees and Greens €163,037.00
12. Enniscrone – Water Irrigation & Carbon Neutral e-Mower €162,082.00
13. Portumna – Golf training academy & surface development €161,617.00
14. Castlecomer – Drainage on fairways and bunkers €161,019.00
15. Newcastle West – Drainage, Short Game Area and Solar €157,462.00
16. North West – Shower & toilet facility upgrade & Mower purchase €157,462.00
17. Beech Park – Playing Surface Upgrades, Drainage & Grass Mower €156,358.00
18. Arklow – Development plan 2023-2027 €156,266.00
19. Ballyneety – Bunker Modernisation programme €153,648.00
20. Donabate – Drainage & Equipment €153,648.00
