Clinton buys golfing holiday home in Ireland

Former US president Bill Clinton has bought a holiday home at an exclusive Irish golf club, it emerged today.

Mr Clinton – who was pictured at the weekend playing golf in Co Down – is expected to take over the duplex at the K Club in Co Kildare later this summer.

His purchase includes two full memberships at the Irish course, which is to host the Ryder Cup competition in 2006.

He is said to have been involved in negotiations with developers over a number of months and to have deferred the deal on a several occasions.

The sale was agreed with estate agent Arthur French, former captain of the club.

Mr French and Mr Clinton played together at Royal County Down golf club in Northern Ireland last Sunday.

The K Club boasts world-class facilities such as a five-star hotel, two 18-hole courses and top restaurants. It has a high level of security.

The former president’s new neighbours will include Monte Carlo racehorse owner Michael Tabor, Wal-Mart chief executive Tom Coughlan, RTE chairman Paddy Wright and New York hotelier John Fitzpatrick.

His holiday home is part of a newly-completed courtyard in the Ryder Cup Village which comprises more than 50 apartments and penthouses.

The apartments overlook the courtyard and its ornamental fountain. The complex is hidden by ancient trees and a 17th-century garden. The courtyard is close to the club’s leisure and sports centre.

Prices at the development range from around €950,000 to €1.4m.

Around a dozen other apartments are still available at the complex.