Building a new era at Castlegregory

We would describe ourselves as being a hidden gem," smiles Castlegregory Golf club chairman of management, Noel Earlie, as he looks out over the pristine Kerry course, "but I think we would now like to be less hidden."

Though it may not enjoy the same name recognition as the likes of Ballybunion, Dooks or Waterville, golf addicts down Kingdom way rejoice in being amongst the select few that share in the secret of the nine-hole Arthur Spring layout tucked between Lough Gill and Brandon Bay.

But their compliments always carried an asterisk.