A day of celebration for golf in Hidden Heartlands region
Golf in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands launched its new website in Glasson last week, with Westmeath Minister of State Peter Burke in attendance at the launch.
The launch of the new website for the extended golf region was held at Glasson Lakehouse - a hotel which is adjacent to a renowned golf course - on Monday of last week, March 25.
Officials from the various clubs across the extensive region were in attendance. Among the golf clubs represented on the day were Athlone, Mount Temple, Glasson, Mullingar, Ballinasloe, New Forest, Esker Hills and Slieve Russell.
Michael Dolan, Chairman of Golf in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, introduced Minister of State Burke along with Mr Paddy Mathews, the head of operations for the Hidden Heartlands region with Fáilte Ireland. Cllr Louise Heavin, Mayor of Athlone and Moate Municipal District, was also present at the launch.
Michael, well known for his involvement with Mount Temple Golf Club, spoke at length regarding the quality of the courses situated within the Hidden Heartlands and the world-class golf experiences to be expected by visitors from the domestic market and indeed from overseas.
“As world class ambassadors for our region, these are the courses where Leona Maguire and Shane Lowry spent their youth and developed their golf game. The launch of our website today will be of great benefit to the golf course industry in our region and the wonderful accommodation it provides. We have been very lucky to have Failte Ireland providing support and backing to this group,” said Michael.
Deputy Peter Burke, Minister for State for European Affairs and Defence, addressed the gathering and was very enthusiastic regarding the new website and how it will be of benefit to the tourism industry and the economy as a whole.
Mr Paddy Mathews spoke regarding tourism in the Hidden Heartlands region, which has now been extended to run from Leitrim to North Tipperary and therefore includes a significant part of the country, and what the golf industry contributes to it.
With the funding that helped complete the project, the Hidden Heartlands region now has a complete offering for the golfer worldwide.
Lynn McCool, director of golf with Glasson Golf Club, was the final speaker and she introduced the website. She commended the Chairperson Michael Dolan for his persistence and perseverance shown over the last number of years to finally make this happen.
Lynn expressed the view that this was a day of celebration as now there is a collective website that has all the golf clubs in the Hidden Heartlands as well as accommodation providers and restaurants working together to showcase this wonderful region.
The golf booking tee times system allows those involved to identify their visitors and helps them to decide to whom to market their services towards. For instance, visitors from continental European are the leading visitors to the region for overseas golf rounds.
With this website, golf clubs and accommodation providers can present to tour operators from around the world including all IAGTO operators who specialize in the European market.
The clubs collaborated to showcase these magnificent parkland golf courses of different styles. Many have hosted high-profile PGA and Golf Ireland events, and this website will allow people to check out where they next want to ‘play and stay’.
It is also expected to be a useful website for the domestic market, allowing people to check out where to book their next golf getaway.
The website showcases the full listing of golf courses and hotels with links to their websites. To find out more information, contact Treasurer/Secretary Kathleen McDonnell via the website (www.golfinirelandshiddenheartlands.ie).