Padraig Harrington is known as one of the good guys in golf, with the three-time Major winner officially opening a new venue that the 51-year-old believes will help make golf more accessible to a wider audience in Ireland.
Marlay Putting Green, which is located in Dublin’s Marlay Park, looks to introduce the game to new golfers and offer an enjoyable space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather and have fun. It was designed by Harrington and also funded by his Charitable Foundation, along with grants from The R&A and Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme.
Speaking at the opening, Harrington stated that: “I am thrilled to announce the opening of the Marlay Putting Green. It has been amazing to see this project come to fruition and I am so pleased the people of Dublin will be able to experience golf in a fun and family-focused setting,” said Harrington.
“My aim for this project has always been to create an affordable and accessible facility which is designed for all ages and golf abilities at no cost. I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and find a way to introduce the game of golf to all generations.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and its Parks team, John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass, Anthony Bennett and the team at Atlantic Golf Construction, as well as all the contractors and suppliers. I would also like to thank The R&A, as well as Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland, for their generous grants which have made this project possible, in addition to my sponsors, Wilson and Titleist, for the supply of putters and golf balls.
“It’s very easy because you don’t have to build them all to this standard. I would say to any park, any public facility, just put nine holes in a tight bit of grass and people will putt on it and enjoy it.”
Along with Harrington, Councilor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with Padraig Harrington, one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars. We look forward to welcoming all ages and abilities to the Marlay Putting Green.”
Opening on April 22nd, the venue has been constructed in a sustainable manner to conserve resources, with the new free public amenity aiming to attract new audiences to golf and provide a place for everyone to meet and have fun.