Project Description

THE MARLAY PARK PUTTING GREEN

Padraig has visited St Andrews many times over the years and has always admired the Himalayas Putting Green from its design, the audience it attracts and its fun nature. Given this and his desire to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to the game, it gave him the idea to build a similar putting green at Marlay Park, a public park near to where he grew up and where he lives now.

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The Marlay Park Putting Green

With regards to the putting green, important to Padraig are the key principles of:

  • Enjoyment – the putting green has been designed to provide a fun challenge to encourage return visitors.
  • Affordability – there will be a limited or no charge to use the putting green.
  • Accessibility – Marlay Park is 5 miles from central Dublin, which has a population of over 1,200,000.
  • Sustainability – the putting green is being constructed in an ecologically sustainable manner, thus conserving resources.
  • Inclusivity – the putting green will be open to people of all ages and backgrounds, with a view to attracting new audiences.
  • Community – it is hoped that the putting green will provide a place for children and families to meet, helping foster social ties within the community.

The Team

  • Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation (PHCF) and Padraig – the PHCF will finance the building of the putting green, together with the assistance of financial grants from the R&A, Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland. Padraig himself has assisted in the design of the putting green and has made numerous visits to the site to provide input during construction.
  • Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council – DLRCC have provided the site and will maintain and manage the putting green from opening.
  • Turfgrass Consultancy – John Clarkin and his team will provide expertise, construction and agronomy of the putting green, utilising outside contractors, including Atlantic Golf Construction, and other suppliers.

Related News

The Marlay Park Press Release - dlr County Council tee off with Padraig Harrington

*Council works with world renowned golfer to create 3000sqm putting course at Marlay Pk

*Three-time major winner’s Charitable Foundation to fund build of dlr putting course

*Publicly accessible & family focused setting to bring golf to a new generation

*Planned opening Spring 2022

DUBLIN, Thursday 28 Oct 2021

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council are delighted to work with Padraig Harrington and his team on the development of this innovative facility in Marlay Park. It is being designed and built to be publicly accessible within the Park and will greatly add to the amenities already available. It is located at the site of the original Marlay Playground, surrounded by mature hedging and trees, and will be easily accessed from all parts of the Park.

It has been designed and built in as sustainable a manner as possible, using materials already available within the Park and locally. This facility will help open up the game of golf to people of all ages and backgrounds, introducing a whole new generation to the sport, and above all, making it a fun and entertaining experience for families and friends.

Speaking of the announcement Padraig commented:
“I have always been in awe of the popularity of the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews and wanted to be involved in providing something similar for the people of Ireland to allow them to experience golf in a fun and family focused setting.

With this in mind, the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, with the assistance of a golf development grant from The R&A to contribute towards the construction of the facility and also a grant from Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme, will fund the design and construction of a state of the art, undulating and unique putting course covering 3,000 square metres at Marlay Park, working in partnership with Turfgrass® and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

My sincere thanks go to John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass®, Anthony Bennett at Atlantic Golf Construction, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and it’s Parks team, all the contractors who have also offered their time and services for free or at preferential rates, as well as both The R&A and Golf Ireland for their generous grants.”

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Lettie McCarthy 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 one of Irelands greatest sports stars. We very much look forward to its official opening in Spring 2022!”

The design and construction began in recent months, with the next step being to seed the putting green with a blend of grasses which are both indigenous and sustainable. The intention is to have an official opening in Spring of next year, depending on the growing conditions over the winter. Harrington, the Council and everyone involved in the inception and delivery of what will be a world class local facility very much look forward to bringing the game of golf in an accessible way to a new generation and a new audience.
ENDS

For media queries please contact:
dlr Communications Office: commsoffice@dlrcoco.ie & 01 2047090

Padraig Harrington: michele.mair@img.com & +44-7990574184

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.