Nicklaus hails ‘wonderful’ Killeen Castle

JACK NICKLAUS believes that Killeen Castle in Meath could one day host the Ryder Cup — well he would say that, he’s designing the course.

The Meath venue will definitely host the women’s version of the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, in 2011 although the course won’t open for play until next year, when it hosts the Irish Ladies Open.

“I am proud to be part of what is happening at Killeen Castle. It is phenomenal, with the historic Castle as a focal point and dramatic backdrop to the 18th hole. Killeen Castle is a wonderful facility to stage the Solheim Cup in 2011 or the Ryder Cup in the future,” said Nicklaus, who played in six Ryder Cups and captained the US on two occasions.

Killeen Castle have also secured the services of sports promoter Roddy Carr, who represented the course in their bid to host the Solheim Cup.

Carr previously worked with Seve Ballesteros as a golf events promoter in Spain, and has worked with IMG in New York, the world’s leading sports promotion company. 2011 will be the first time the tournament comes to Ireland.

Carr will be promoting, marketing and staging The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle, in association with the Ladies European Tour and also reviving the Ladies Irish Open, commencing in 2008.

In addition, Carr will market and promote worldwide the overall development at Killeen Castle.

Roddy Carr said that it was the quality and attention to detail that persuaded him to take up the job.

“I have not come across this degree of commitment in pursuit of excellence in my 20 years working abroad in the business. It will be great for me and my wife Patty and young children to return to Ireland after so many years living abroad.’’

Brian Wallace, of Killeen Castle said: ‘‘We are delighted that a person of the stature of Roddy Carr has agreed to assist us with Killeen Castle and the Solheim Cup. He brings 25 years international experience in the golf business as a player of distinction, events promoter and a respected sports marketing and tourism expert, having worked on similar major projects in the Far East, the Caribbean and throughout Europe.’’

The course will be augmented by the first Dave Pelz short game golf academy in Europe. Pelz is recognised as golf’s foremost authority on putting and the short game. Listed amongst his pupils are majors winners: Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Steve Elkington and Mike Weir.

The golf facilities will also include a 30,000 square foot purpose built clubhouse, with parking facilities in an old wall garden setting for 260 cars, the venue provides ample room (500 acres) for public village and hospitality facilities, media and television compounds, grandstands and spectator traffic flow — all adjacent to the 18th hole.