A £12 million links, designed by the great American course architect Pete Dye in the style of Kiawah Island, is to be developed at the West Clare village of Doonbeg. Christy O'Connor Jnr will collaborate with Dye in the design.
Shannon Development have approved the appointment of Delos Partners, of Columbus, Ohio, to develop and operate a golf links resort complex on the sand dunes at Doughmore, outside Doonbeg.
A number of submissions from Irish and overseas groups were invited, but the Shannon company said at yesterday's announcement that Delos were selected "because of their overall experience and track record in developing and operating world class, environmentally sensitive golf-related facilities".
Established 23 years ago, Delos have developed over 30 18-hole courses, hotels, clubhouses and leisure facilities. They have now established an Irish company to develop and operate the Doonbeg project.
Mr Flan Quilligan, of Shannon Development, said: "When it is completed it will provide 80 jobs, with an indirect spin-off of benefits which will be enormously significant for tourism in the entire area."
The 377-acre site will include, apart from an 18-hole golf links and clubhouse, a four-star, 90-bedroom hotel, on-site leisure and conference facilities, as well as holiday cottages and residential houses.
