Druids Glen GC signed a management agreement yesterday with the Marriott International hotel group which will give the venue high-quality accommodation to complement a projected 36-hole layout. The deal will complete an overall investment of £53 million with employment for 150.

The 148-bedroom Druids Glen Marriott Hotel, which is already under construction, is scheduled to open in the spring of next year. With five-star status, it will be situated at the far end of the course from the clubhouse in an area overlooking the 13th tee and will include facilities for conferences and social events.

"We are excited and confident that the mutual expertise of Marriott International and Druids Glen will create one of the finest golfing resorts in the world," said Henry Davies of the hotel group yesterday. Meanwhile, Denis Kane of Druids Glen said: "Our confidence in the future success of the venture is reflected in the significant investment involved."

Set in 400 acres just off the N11, 18 miles from Dublin city, the current development will also embrace 28 corporate/executive lodges and 40 private villas.

The Druids Glen course was designed by Pat Ruddy and had its official opening in the autumn of 1995. Within a matter of months, it was chosen as the venue for the 1996 Murphy's Irish Open which it went on to stage for four successive years, until 1999.

One of the hotel group's more prominent British locations is the Marriott Forest of Arden, which will play host to the English Open next month.