A vision realised . . . worth celebrating

Editorial Department • Published 6 Jul 2009 14:58 0 Comments

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The Sir Nick Faldo designed championship golf course at Lough Erne Golf Resort opened yesterday morning (Wednesday) with Mallusk golf enthusiast Aaron Campbell striking the ball down a demanding fairway with trees to the left and water on the right.

Speaking at the opening Andy Campbell, Director of Golf at Lough Erne Golf Resort, said:

'Today is a truly momentous day and we are absolutely thrilled to officially open The Faldo Championship Course after over three years of intense preparation and planning.

'The course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, is set on a 600-acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne. The routing of the course has been planned carefully to take full advantage of the natural topography. This will make for 14 holes where the waters of the Lough come into play including a green surrounded on three sides by water - a course that will excite even the most experienced and well travelled golfer.'

Celebrating being the first golfer to book and tee off on the course, Aaron Campbell from Newtownabbey added: 'I am delighted to be the first golfer to have booked and played such a prestigious course. I"ve been looking forward to playing the course for the last year and it has certainly lived up to its reputation. The scenery is simply breathtaking and the exhilarating course is undoubtedly destined to be one of the major golfing destinations in the world.'

Created by six-time major champion Faldo, the 7,167 yard, par 72 course is set on a breathtaking peninsula between Lower Lough Erne and Castle Hume Lough, and is already being talked about as an obvious venue for future prestigious European Tour events.

The opening of The Faldo Course at Lough Erne will be marked by a head to head between three times major champion, Padraig Harrington and 20-year-old Holywood man, Rory McIlroy on 22 July.

Rory McIlroy, who is also Lough Erne Golf Resort"s Touring Professional, has described the Resort as 'a great place to stay, a great place to play'. He is currently ranked 16th in the World, after his debut in the US Open where he finished in tied 10th position.

The inaugural Lough Erne Challenge is a one day event (22 July). Tickets and corporate hospitality packages are available from

www.loughernegolfresort.com

Complementing the opening of The Faldo Championship Course, The Loughside Clubhouse, Bar & Grill will officially open its doors on 24 July. Situated on the 19th hole, and with stunning views of Castle Hume Lough, it offers casual all day dining and prime Irish meats from the Grill.

The Loughside Clubhouse, Bar & Grill will also boast two conference and event suites, providing the "Inspiration for Any Event". Contact the Resort"s Events Team for more details.

For further information on Lough Erne Golf Resort log on to

www.loughernegolfresort.com or call +44 (0)28 6632 3230

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Jul 09

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