Since it first opened for play in July 2002, Doonbeg has been garnering praise from golfers and golf writers around the world for its stunning beauty and superb design. In a relatively short space of time it has joined the “must play” list of classic Irish links courses, beginning with its designation as Golf Digest’s “Best New International Course, 2002.”

Set along 1.5 miles of crescent-shaped beach and dunes on Ireland’s southwest coast between Ballybunion and Lahinch, Doonbeg allows views of the ocean from the green, fairway, or tee from 16 of the holes.

Course designer Greg Norman, who made an unprecedented 22 trips to the site, followed a “least disturbance” philosophy to carve the holes out from a landscape of grass-covered dunes bordering the Atlantic. 14 of Doonbeg’s greens and 12 of its fairways were simply mowed.

Said The Shark of the site, “It’s Ireland. It’s Irish golf. It’s links golf. Sand dunes like you’ll never see again, working hand in glove with the environmentalists. I tell everybody about the course. I tell them that I have got the best site in the world and it’s at Doonbeg in Ireland.”

And the course is only getting better with time. Doonbeg’s head pro, Brian Shaw, says, “the first few years in the life of a links course are crucial to observing what changes need to be made. The people at Greg Norman Golf Design understand this and have spent a great deal of time at Doonbeg continuing what has been a great working relationship. The subtle improvements made here and there have allowed for a better flow and improved pace of play, and have brought out the best in the course. Holes 8, 9, and 10 are now some of the best on the course – Doonbeg’s own “Amen Corner.”

Yet the Doonbeg experience encompasses much more than one of the golf world’s great links layouts. In spring of 2006 Doonbeg will open what will be the most luxurious clubhouse and accommodations facility in Europe: The Lodge at Doonbeg Golf Club.

Located adjacent to the course with sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Lodge will house the Clubhouse, 15 Lodge Suites, the formal dining room, the members bar, a spa, and both men’s and women’s locker rooms. The adjoining Garden House Suites, Norman Suites, and Courtyard Suites will afford vistas of the Skivileen River and pasture lands beside the club.

No detail has been overlooked, no cost has been spared in the quest to offer unparalleled service and amenities. Members enjoy an even higher level of service excellence with features like the Doonbeg Concierge, the club’s trademark program that ensures members’ golf, travel, and accommodation details are taken care of during their visit.

When complete, the facilities at Doonbeg will provide a perfect match for the spectacular course. As Greg Norman himself put it, “nothing on this earth compares to Doonbeg.”

Contact Information:
Doonbeg Golf Club
Doonbeg
County Clare, Ireland
866-DOONBEG
www.doonbeggolfclub.com