Golf legend Padraig Harrington officially launched a brand new putting green in Dublin's Marlay Park over the weekend, and the family focused golf facility is now open to the public.
This new free public amenity aims to attract new audiences to golf and provide a place for everyone to meet and have fun. The Marlay Putting Green is located in Dublin’s Marlay Park beside the new Boules Court and has been designed to provide an enjoyable golfing experience for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
The 3,000m2 green was designed by Harrington and it was built by Atlantic Golf Construction in partnership with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Turfgrass. Harrington's charitable foundation helped to fund the initiative alongside The R&A and Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme.
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At the launch of the 18-hole putting course on Friday, three-time major winner Padraig Harrington said: "I am thrilled to announce the opening of the Marlay Putting Green. It has been amazing to see this project come to fruition, and I am so pleased the people of Dublin will be able to experience golf in a fun and family focused setting.
"My aim for this project has always been to create an affordable and accessible facility which is designed for all ages and golf abilities, at no cost. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and find a way to introduce the game of golf to all generations.”
Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said: "Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with Padraig Harrington, one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars. We look forward to welcoming all ages and abilities to the Marlay Putting Green."
During the initial two months of opening there will be a limit play of about 700 rounds per week as grass growth is low and ground conditions are “unpredictable” due to the weather. The Marlay Putting Green opened for the first time on Saturday and it's sure to be a hit with young and old golf fans.
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