Tramore open new nine hole extension with top class ‘skins’ match

TRAMORE Golf Club, one of the finest parkland lay-outs in the country, open their new nine hole extension on Thursday with a “skins” match involving four of the club’s most illustrious members.

The extension is the first phase of a three year development plan that will see Tramore’s championship layout extended to a 27 hole facility.

Designed by Jeff Howes, who has been responsible for several courses nationwide — including Fota Island — the project, costing €3.5 million, has been proceeding according to plan.

The club will then take nine of the current holes out of play in order to commence their upgrading to USGA standards. These holes are expected to be completed by next year to allow for the final phase that will see the remaining nine holes upgraded.

To mark this auspicious occasion in the club’s history, current Irish senior captain and former South of Ireland champion, Michael Burns and triple Irish Close champion Eddie Power will take on former Irish Close champion and Curtis Cup player Suzie O’Brien (nee Fanagan) and former interprovincial Catherine Bird.

Burns, Power and O’Brien enjoy honorary membership following their outstanding golfing exploits.

“This is a very exciting time for Tramore Golf Club,” says captain Roger Kennedy. “The project has been very much on schedule and everybody is looking forward to the opening of the new nine holes.

“Jeff Howes has done a wonderful job and I have no doubt the members and visitors will find the new course to be a tough but enjoyable experience.”

The club will host a festival of golf over the weekend to allow members to experience the new lay-out with all proceeds donated to the South East Cancer Foundation. The official opening will take place Saturday evening with the Golfing Union of Ireland President Barry Doyle officiating.