A High Court decision has cleared the way for Nick Faldo to finalise the purchase of Bartragh Island in Killalla Bay where he intends to develop a championship links golf course.
Faldo began the purchase of the scenic, two-mile long island off the coast of Co Mayo in November but the sale was held up due to legal wrangling.
However, Ms Justice Carroll today gave judgement in favour of a previous owner of the island, Mary Molloy of Killala Bay, freeing Faldo to complete the deal.
Faldo wants to turn the 360-acre spectacular duneland property into a world-class golf destination. The winner of six Majors has described the island as 'the most magical and most extraordinary property he has ever seen'.
Meanwhile, Faldo was today honoured by the Professional Golfers' Association with the presentation of the inaugural PGA Recognition Award for outstanding services to golf.
Faldo, the first recipient of the award, said: "I'm truly delighted to be accepting this, particularly as it is the first time the PGA have honoured a golfer in this way.
"I've been a member of the PGA since turning professional in 1976 and I'm thrilled that after all this time my career is being recognised by the oldest association of its kind in the world.
"I have been lucky enough to have pursued a career doing what I love best and even more fortunate to have won a few times along the way - a habit which I hope to pick up again in the very near future."
Faldo's main aims for 2004 remain the same as they were at the start of his career - major championship glory and a Ryder Cup place. He already holds a record number of caps against the Americans, but has not played in the match since 1997.