Lough Erne Resort Festival of Golf (March 2012)

[Photo: view of the hotel and lodges from the 17th tee box]

In much the same way that Moyvalley and Castle Dargan Golf Clubs took advantage of Darren Clarke’s Open Championship win, Lough Erne Resort has introduced a couple of very attractive offers for March, and for Paddy’s weekend in particular, to celebrate Rory’s recent win which puts him at the very summit of world golf.Rory McIlroy is Lough Erne’s touring professional and no doubt the club will be eager to get him back to County Fermanagh as soon as they can. It is publicity heaven for the five star golf resort which has been struggling of late.

The events are being touted as the Festival of Golf:

1. On Saturday 17th March, Lough Erne is offering golf for individuals with prices from £50 per person, including a one-course meal.
2. Then, on Monday 19th March, there’s golf for teams of four at £180 per team.

[Photo: the approach to the 9th green with Halfway House alongside]

Accommodation

And if you are competing in the St. Patrick’s Festival tournament, there’s also a special B&B offer in the hotel’s rooms and suites, from £55 per person sharing.

[Photo: your drive on the par four 2nd]

Undercurrent

There has been a strong undercurrent of opinion that the resort’s green fees have been too high over the last year or two. As most courses brought their fees down, Lough Erne remained high, hovering between £60 and £105 depending on the season. In 2012, however, the rates have changed: £50 at off-peak and £75 peak price during the summer. That should certainly stop the complaints. On a course this idyllic, that makes playing here a very tempting proposition indeed. It is a generous course from the tee, but approaches are always harder. The lough is a constant threat and not just a pretty sideshow.

And let’s not forget the quirks and extras that give golf that special je ne sais quoi: the bridge that takes you to the first tee, the excellent halfway house (of which there are far too few in Ireland), and the ‘Ssshh… bats sleeping’ signs on the back nine, which, incidentally, is my avatar on Twitter.

For anyone that can’t make the St. Patrick’s Festival of Golf weekend, there’s another celebratory package available during March. Available Monday to Thursday, you can enjoy one night’s B&B with unlimited daily golf on the Faldo Course, a complimentary golf cart, Strokesaver, followed by a three-course dinner expertly prepared by Head Chef Noel McMeel in The Catalina Restaurant… from €130 per person sharing. (Please note this is a Euro price vs. the Sterling price above.)

[Photo: the wonderful par four 7th]

Lough Erne promotes itself as one of the most luxurious destination hotels in the North, perfect for golfers with its excellent food, restorative pool and spa, and comfy bars, and a brilliant base for touring the stunning lakes and local scenery. When you see the place you’ll see why they make such claims, but please don’t be fooled when you first arrive as you drive through a different golf course (Castle Hume) which is utterly tame by comparison.

[Photo: the walk to the 1st]

As Lynn McCool, Director of Golf & Head Professional at Lough Erne Resort says:

“Here at Lough Erne Resort we couldn’t be prouder of Rory, or more delighted for him. A golfer from Northern Ireland being Number 1 in the world is fabulous, not just for him personally, but for all of us involved in the game here. He says Lough Erne is a great place to play, and always enjoys his time on our spectacular course, so maybe a little of whatever magic is in the air can rub off on other golfers who play this St. Patrick’s Festival of Golf weekend too!”
 


To book your tee time, telephone 028 66 345 766 or ROI 048 66 345 766, or book online at lougherneresort.com or email golfshop@lougherneresort.com

For my 38 Lough Erne photos, click here.