Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington officially launched the Marlay Putting Green in Dublin today, a family focused golf facility which is now open to the public. This new free public amenity aims to attract new audiences to golf and provide a place for everyone to meet and have fun.

The Marlay Putting Green is located in Dublin’s Marlay Park beside the new Boules Court and has been designed to provide an enjoyable golfing experience for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The putting green has been constructed in a sustainable manner to conserve resources and can be easily accessed from all parts of the Park.

Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:
“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with Padraig Harrington, one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars. We look forward to welcoming all ages and abilities to the Marlay Putting Green.”

Harrington worked closely with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, who provided the site and will manage and operate the green. John Clarkin’s team at Turfgrass® provided their expertise in construction and agronomy and worked alongside Atlantic Golf Construction in the build of the putting green. The project was funded by the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation together with the assistance of a golf development grant from The R&A, and also a grant from Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme.

This is a consolidation of philanthropic teamwork, as highlighted by Padraig Harrington:

“I am thrilled to announce the opening of the Marlay Putting Green. It has been amazing to see this project come to fruition, and I am so pleased the people of Dublin will be able experience golf in a fun and family focused setting. My aim for this project has always been to create an affordable and accessible facility which is designed for all ages and golf abilities at no cost. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and find a way to introduce the game of golf to all generations.”

Harrington added,

“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and it’s Parks team, John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass®, Anthony Bennett and the team at Atlantic Golf Construction, as well as all the contractors and suppliers who have also offered their time and services for free or at preferential rates. I would also like to thank The R&A, as well as Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland, for their generous grants which have made this project possible, in addition to my sponsors, Wilson and Titleist for the supply of putters and golf balls.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“We are immensely proud of our partnership with Padraig Harrington and this new world class local facility at Marlay Park. This is a state of the art, unique putting course covering 3000 square metres and we look forward to bringing the game of golf to a new generation and a new audience”.

John Clarkin from Turfgrass® commented,

“We are delighted to offer our services and participate in this community inspired project with Padraig, one that will hopefully encourage a new generation to get involved in and experience the fun side of golf. The putting green will be six times the size of an average green and incorporates various undulations which will provide some fun hole locations.”

Marlay Putting Green Opening Hours
The Marlay Putting Green will open to the public on Saturday 22nd April at 10.30am. In order to protect the Green during the initial two months when grass growth is low and ground conditions are unpredictable due to weather, we have to limit play to approximately 700 rounds per week spread over 6 days. The numbers will increase over the summer, as ground conditions and grass growth improves. To find out more about the new Putting Green, click here.

ENDS

For media queries please contact:

Padraig Harrington contact michele.mair@img.com
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council contact commsoffice@dlrcoco.ie

Notes for Editors:

About the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation –

Padraig established the Foundation in 2004 to provide financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries throughout Ireland and the rest of the world.

Padraig proved, yet again, that he can compete with the big boys as he shot a final round of one under par 71 to finish top ten at the Valero Texas Open. He got off to a slow start with a dropped shot at the par five second, but picked that shot up at the par four 5th hole to be out in level par. The back nine was frustrating, as he twice picked up shots only to give them back straight away but he birdied the par four 17th, where he drove it into the greenside bunker and played a beautiful bunker shot to a few feet for his final birdie of the week. His game continues to trend in an positive direction! Corey Connors won the event with a fifteen under par total.

Padraig, yet again, comes good with some stellar play to card a four under par round of 68 and leave himself in a tie for 6th place going into Sundays final round. He trails by five with his seven under par total. He was out in level par with nine straight pars but came alight on the back nine with four birdies to give himself an outside chance of a win and a ticket to Augusta!

A delayed second round for Padraig as he gets 16 holes played but has to return Saturday to finish up and also complete his third round. He got off to a steady start and was level par after nine holes but had an inconsistent run in the middle of his back nine. Three dropped shots and two birdies saw him sign for a one over par round of 73 to leave him with a lot of work to do in his third round.

Padraig opens his account at the Velero Texas Open with a solid round of four under par 68 which currently ties the lead in his quest for a Masters spot! Starting on the back nine, he got off to a slow start with an early dropped shot on the par four 12th hole. He then took advantage of the two par fives as he picked up shots at both and another birdie at the par four 17th hole to turn in two under par. Three more birdies followed, including a very long putt, and his only error came at the par five 2nd hole where he got out of position. On a windswept day, it was a gallent effort and all to play for over the weekend!

Padraig plays this week on PGA Tour at the Valero Texas Open. It gives him a last chance of an entry into next weeks first Major of the year, The Masters, at Augusta!

Tee Times –  Padraig plays in the opening round at 2.25pm GMT+1 with Lucas Glover and Frankie Molinari.