Rosapenna to be 81 holes?

27 November 2012

The Casey family, proprietors of the Rosepenna hotel and golf resort in County Donegal, Ireland, has acquired the neighbouring 370 property that was formerly the 36-hole St Patrick's Golf Links.

St Patrick's has had a difficult history in recent years. Its two courses were originally designed by Irish architect Eddie Hackett – his last work before his death in 1996 – and former Royal County Down assistant professional Joanne O'Haire, but in 2006, the property was bought by a development firm, and Jack Nicklaus's practice was commissioned to redesign both courses. Work started, but was stopped shortly afterwards due to the developers' financial problems, and the site has lain dormant ever since.

Now, the Rosapenna owners have bought the property, and are considering options to bring it back into play. Rumours suggest that architect Tom Doak – who has already carried out some work at Rosapenna – may be involved, but director of golf Frank Casey Jr told GCA that no decision had yet been taken.

“We are very excited that we can now extend golf at Rosapenna beyond what we know as 'the top of the Valley' along the shores of Tramore Beach,” said owner Frank Casey Sr. “The dunescape is some of the finest in the world, and very similar to what we already have. It is essentially one piece of duneland, ideally suited to championship links golf and the views of Sheephaven Bay are spectacular.”