New course on Lough Rynn: The footprints of golf's elite in terms of golf course design can now be found on the Lough Rynn Castle estate as Nick Faldo became the latest in a line that includes Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to shape part of the sport's future in this country.
The six-time major winner was present at the picturesque Leitrim venue yesterday for the official opening of a facility that will number a five star hotel, extensive housing and a leisure and spa facility among its amenities. The Hanly group have financed the project and Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue was on hand to congratulate the developers.
The attraction, though, for most of those who turned up was the presence of Faldo, whose championship course will be open for play in 2008. The Englishman, who will captain Europe in the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla, said: "It's a great place. I came here a couple of years ago. It's been enjoyable but we've had to work hard to create this original design. The potential here is fantastic. The idea is to have an Irish Open here one day.
"There has been a lot of earth-moving. We're going to build a very good golf course. It's created a real challenge for us to make it playable for everyone. There's a great deal we can do here and it's been a great challenge for us.
"I have been very fortunate in this game. I have a genuine passion in (golf course) design and started my own team in 2000. We have golf course (projects) going in the four corners of the world."
Faldo had intimated that he wouldn't speak about the Ryder Cup but in a question and answer session with RTÉ's Des Cahill for the assembled guests he did touch on a couple of Ireland's representatives, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, in the upcoming event at The K Club.
Of Clarke's emotive return to his native shores Faldo pointed out: "I have not had the opportunity to speak to him nor did Woosie either by the sounds of it. Obviously we all feel for Darren and his family. I'm sure it'll be very emotional. It's been dreadful. Something like the Ryder Cup may be very good for him. I'm sure it's going to be very emotional. I hope the golf will do some healing for him."
McGinley's at times torturous crusade for a place on the European team also elicited some sympathy. "When you get to the Ryder Cup, you're there now, it's all over and done with. It's the sort of thing (now having qualified) where you know what you're focusing on (at last).
"You want to win and want to retain the trophy. It's a big week. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are brutal, preparing and resting, attending official receptions and gala dinners.
"All your thinking about is Friday morning, getting up and starting the dance. You need a strong man to take that first tee shot in the opening match on the Friday."
