SportsBodies The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) moves into its new headquarters in the magnificent Carton Demesne in Maynooth, Co Kildare next week.
It follows an investment of €7.8 million in a new building and a 22-acre teaching facility which will be open to the public.
The phenomenal growth of the game in Ireland necessitated a move from the former Dublin headquarters in Glencar House, according to the GUI, which now has 417 affiliated clubs with a total membership of more than 250,000.
Construction of the new headquarters building began in January 2005 and the 115-year-old institution will now take up residence on the striking Carton House Demesne. The investment also provided the GUI with a national coaching academy and also a golf museum.
The office building was designed by Murray O'Laoire Architects and built by Midland Construction & Engineering Ltd. Its design incorporates the historical integrity of the structures on the Carton site.
This is particularly true of the building now housing the GUI's golf museum. Built in 1760, the structure was taken apart stone by stone, restored and, where possible, put back together in its original configuration. The museum's collection has many artefacts dating back to the early 20th century.
The offices overlook the impressive national academy, a 22-acre facility open to the public. It includes a modern driving range, a short game area, including the duff golfer's home away from home, bunkers, and first class putting greens. There is also an indoor teaching room featuring the latest in vision technology and a computerised putting system.
Finance for the project was raised from a number of sources, including a once-off levy of €15 on GUI members which raised almost €2.6 million.
The sale of Glencar House realised over €2.7 million and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, provided a €500,000 grant towards the academy under the Sports Capital Programme.
Funding was also received from the Royal and Ancient at St Andrews and from insurance company, Golfsure.
"We look forward to the official opening, and the opportunity to welcome representatives of all our affiliated golf clubs who, through the support of their respective members, made this dream come true," said GUI president, Bernard Hynes.
He said the GUI was proud of the new facilities "which will provide our players with every opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead, both at national and international level".
