Three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington believes initiatives like the Marlay Putting Green can help make golf more accessible to a wider audience in Ireland.
Located in Dublin’s Marlay Park the putting green looks to introduce the game to new golfers and offer an enjoyable space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather and have fun.
The 3,000m2 green designed by Harrington was built by Atlantic Golf Construction in partnership with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Turfgrass. It was funded by the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation along with grants from The R&A and Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme.
And as he officially opened the venue, Harrington knows it can pave the way for further ventures throughout the island of Ireland as the sport of golf continues to prosper post-Pandemic.
“I am thrilled to announce the opening of the Marlay Putting Green. It has been amazing to see this project come to fruition and I am so pleased the people of Dublin will be able experience golf in a fun and family focused setting,” said Harrington.
“My aim for this project has always been to create an affordable and accessible facility which is designed for all ages and golf abilities at no cost. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and find a way to introduce the game of golf to all generations.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and it’s Parks team, John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass, Anthony Bennett and the team at Atlantic Golf Construction, as well as all the contractors and suppliers.
“I would also like to thank The R&A, as well as Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland, for their generous grants which have made this project possible, in addition to my sponsors, Wilson and Titleist for the supply of putters and golf balls.
“It’s very easy because you don’t have to build them all to this standard. I would say to any park, any public facility, just put nine holes in a tight bit of grass and people will putt on it and enjoy it.”
The Marlay Putting Green will open its doors to the public on Saturday, 22 April at 10.30am. To protect the green during its initial stages, the number of rounds will be limited. And as ground conditions and grass growth improve, more rounds will be permitted.
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly, who was in Marlay Park for the official opening, said it is a great day for golf in Ireland while he looks forward to more opportunities like this to grow the game throughout the island.
“We are thrilled to support the Marlay Putting Green, it’s an extraordinary community-focused initiative,” said Kennelly.
“This project perfectly embodies Golf Ireland’s vision of making golf accessible and enjoyable for all. We take pride in partnering with Padraig Harrington, a true representative of Irish golf, and contributing to the growth of this fantastic facility that will inspire future generations of golfers.”
About Golf Ireland
Golf Ireland is the Governing Body for golf across the island of Ireland. Launched in 2021, Golf Ireland’s vision is that golf is a game for everyone – for enjoyment, for health, and for life.