In focus - The Marlbrook:When it comes to Padraig Harrington you can be sure the current European number one will not rush into things. That's a very good thing for those involved at The Marlbrook, for after turning down in excess of 30 design proposals during his career, the recently crowned Irish Open champion opted for this particular project in Clonmel as his first venture into course design.

Harrington was present at Thornton's Restaurant, off St Stephen's Green, today as figurehead for the official launch of The Marlbrook - one of Ireland's newest additions to the domestic golf market. Amid opulent surrounds, wine-quaffing and the never-ending supply of canapes the only star in the room commanded a genuine presence, yet maintained the man-of-the-people, common touch he has become renowned for.

When Harrington took his turn at the microphone it quickly became clear he holds a genuine passion for this particular project. During his address the Dubliner explained how choosing this design challenge over others was as much to do with the Kent family, who own The Marlbrook Estate, as having the opportunity to create his first design on such a "wonderful piece of land in the heart of the Golden Vale".

"Before signing up with The Marlbrook project I probably looked examined at least 30 course designs during my career," explained Harrington flanked by an idyllic marketing image of the estate overlooking the River Suir. "I wanted a great site and I have that in the Marlbrook."

"Marlbrook was sold on me because it's on the banks of the River Suir in Clonmel and I can't think of a more beautiful site to build a golf course on. It also benefits from the wonderful sheltered nature of the site, so the course should serve very well against the Irish weather. It's a great piece of land to build an interesting golf course where the majority of holes will be played in the valley."

"But probably more important than that was John Kent himself," added Harrington who first met the owner some 18 months ago. "I was sold when I met the person behind the project."

Harrington has surrounded himself with a very strong team led by renowned course architect Stan Eby and he fully intends playing a hands-on role in bringing the project to fruition.

"I have a great team behind me headed up by Stan Eby, who I insisted on having on my team. As designer he'll keep me right on what we can and cannot do here."

"The other reason I haven't done any course designs before is because I wanted to be there and involved and not just turning up at the opening and asking where the first tee was! I do know of one case where a professional who "designed" the course had to ask where the 10th tee was," quipped Harrington.

The 35-year-old is currently at the peak of his powers with golf club in hand and is all too aware that this new career direction must be approached in typically meticulous Harrington fashion, otherwise it could be a brief stint at design.

"I know I'm designing my first golf course and if I don't get it right it will also be my last golf course," said Harrington filling the packed room full of laughter.

"My ideal goal, and I know this a lofty aspiration, is to create a very challenging course where the professional or top amateur scratch player is tested but it's also very playable for all handicaps. The task is to make sure all level of golfer enjoys the course. That would be my aspiration for this golf course.

"I hope that when anyone comes to Marlbrook that they walk away and think, 'I enjoyed that, I'll think I'll come back'. That is the most important credit any course can have.

"I feel like any professional golfer, we all have great self confidence in what we're doing on a golf course. What worries me more about a golf course project is the people behind it. Is the project viable or sustainable? How will it be maintained? These are some of the most important questions for a project like this. But it was my initial meeting with John which sealed it for me.

"I realised John and his family are committed to building a lasting golf course. This is not just a five year money-making project where you build a few houses around a course then take your profit out. The Kent family want to build a lasting golf course, something which will have heritage in years to come.

"If this course is not maintained in five or 10 years times people will quickly say Padraig Harrington designed a bad golf course. So it's so important the right people are behind the project and I know the Kent family are. I have the belief in them and they've shown they have the belief in themselves. They are very thorough and have left no stone unturned."

In many ways a bit like Harrington himself.

Footnote:
The Marlbrook have brought on board Kate McCann as Director of Golf. McCann previously worked for 15 years in the same role at Mount Juliet.

Adriaan Bartels, former General Manager of the Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare, has also joined the team as General Manager of the hotel at The Marlbrook.

The Marlbrook was bought by the Clonmel-based Kent family in the ealy 1980s and will be managed by John Kent.

A limited number of golf memberships are being released today. Members will pay a refundable deposit of €15,000 in addition to an annual subscription.

The course is due to open in 2010