Significant changes to three of the finishing holes at Druids Glen will be completed in time for next year's Murphys Irish Open. There are also plans for a more dramatic restructuring of the course to enhance its appeal as a possible Ryder Cup venue. Work has already begun on two new holes which will offer the option of a re-routing of the outward nine. Situated to the right of the short eighth, they could replace the existing third and fourth while allowing for additional yardage at the long fifth.

"We have written to the Government and the European Tour, indicating our interest in staging the Ryder Cup when it comes to Ireland in 2005," said Druids Glen chief executive, Denis Kane, yesterday. "For that reason, we want to broaden our options in terms of accommodating such a major event."

As a result of by-passing the existing third and fourth holes, considerable additional space would be made available close to the clubhouse. Limited space in this area, due to the fact that the clubhouse is effectively surrounded by golf holes (the first, second and third), has led to a somewhat fragmented set-up during stagings of the Irish Open.

The two new holes, which have been designed by Pat Ruddy, comprise a par four and a par five which would give the overall layout a par of 72 instead of the present 71.

A new, back-tee at the long fifth would be to the right of the existing fourth green. So, the new routing would mean that from the existing, short second, players would progress to the long (existing) fifth, then to the existing sixth, seventh and eighth, before taking in the two new holes. The outward journey would be completed by the existing ninth.

"We are also looking towards the construction of a 110-bedroom four-star hotel on the site," added Kane, who disclosed that the facility hit the £1 million mark in green-fees this year. "That would cost an estimated £10 million and further strengthen our position as a venue for major tournaments."

In the meantime, competitors in next July's Irish Open will notice a more severe slope into the lake to the left-front of the 15th; two new bunkers at the landing area for drives at the par-five 16th and an extension of the 18th green so as to allow a pin placement within six paces of the waterfall and lakes.

These are interesting times for Ruddy. Apart from modifying Druids Glen, he is engaged in extensive alterations to The European Club which, as his own property, understandably remains the love of his life. These changes involve a new 12th green with a staggering length of 127 yards.

According to Keith Mackie in his book Golf at St Andrews, the fifth and 13th (on the Old Course) share what is, perhaps, the largest green in the world." It measures 90 yards by 70 and it is has been calculated that the 12th green at Augusta National would fit into it 21 times.

Ruddy actually paced the St Andrews green to be sure that the details were as stated. Either way, these measurements are positively puny in comparison to his own creation. The new green will mean a possible difference of 410 to 529 yards in the length of the hole, depending on where the pin is cut. It is a 471-yard par four from the back tee to the centre of the green.

"When completed, I think we can safely claim it to be the longest green in the world," said the owner. He added: "Why are we doing it? Just for a bit of fun. Of course golf is a serious game but we shouldn't take it too seriously."

Either way, the shape of the green was there for all to see when I visited the course last weekend. And because it extends along what was the 13th fairway, a new tee and replacement fairway has had to be constructed for the only par five on the homeward journey. This gives the new hole a formidable length of 608 yards - slightly longer than the sixth at Portmarnock.

New back tees have also been built at the third, fourth and seventh holes, all of which gives the course an overall length of 7,100 yards. "These are Ryder Cup dimensions," said Ruddy, who went on to insist that he was serious in his attempt a entering the race for the biennial showpiece.

"The attraction of Irish golf for the overseas visitor, particularly from the US, is based on our links terrain," he said. "For that reason, I believe it is logical to stage the Ryder Cup on such a course if the maximum return is to be gained."

Much can happen in the space of seven years. There is already a dramatic improvement as a result of over-seeding of the entire property, twice in the last 12 months. And with continued investment in the facility, The European Club looks set to match the best, both is terms of condition and design.