18 June 2009

The Ulster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) launched the new Greenkeeping and Golf Academy at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus, Antrim to its 122 clubs. The event was attended by almost 200 people club captains, secretaries and greenkeepers from across Ulster.

John Fay, Director of the College of Agriculture and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) welcomed the capacity crowd stating “We are pleased to have had the full backing of the GUI to build this Academy to train future generations of greenkeepers and golfers.  We also appreciate their assistance in supporting a number of greenkeepers each year through educational bursaries. If anyone is interested in training to become a greenkeeper, they should contact the College at 0800 028 4291.

Ivor McCandless, Chairman of the Ulster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland spoke of his delight at seeing the project come to fruition. Ivor said “It has been a long-term aim of the Branch to have a dedicated training facility for the next generation of golfers and we have now achieved our goal. This is an excellent facility which will help our elite young golfers raise their game to world standards. We appreciate the work of the College in producing highly skilled greenkeepers to maintain and manage our golf courses and I look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship.”

Speaking at the launch, Eamon McCartan, Chief Executive of SportNI said “The success of local players has resulted in an increase in the popularity of golf and this Academy will further raise the game’s profile. It is an ideal set-up from which greenkeepers and golfers will benefit. I am pleased to support this excellent partnership project”

Sinead Herarty, Chief Executive of the Irish Ladies Golf Union also strongly supported the project. She remarked “These are very exciting times for Irish ladies golf and in particular for the Northern District of the Union. We look forward to hosting our winter training sessions at Greenmount and wish all involved in this initiative the very best for the future.”

As part of the launch, 60 schoolchildren from three local primary schools; Tannaghmore PS, Tildarg PS and Antrim PS enjoyed coaching sessions with professional coaches sponsored by Junior Golf Ireland to help encourage uptake of the sport. Gary Lavery of Junior Golf Ireland commented “The children really enjoyed the sessions and who knows; we might have witnessed the next Rory McIlroy here today.”

Guests visit the new short game practice area

invited guests from Ulster Branch Golf Clubs view demonstration by Junior Golf Ireland in front of new Driving Range Building

Junior Golf Ireland programme participant drives from indoor training suite