The golf business in Ireland is bouncing back well from a dark decade and at the top end investment in facilities and people is growing apace.
Luttrellstown Castle Resort announced yesterday that 20 year pro golfer Peter Lawrie is to be its new Director of Golf.
Lawrie has been a professional golfer since 1997 and on the PGA European Tour since 2003. He has played in over 400 events, winning the Spanish Open in 2008 and being the only Irishman to win the Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award on the Tour.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin and will work alongside General Manager Anthony Smiddy at the prestigious Dublin venue.
Previously owned by the Guinness family Luttrellstown is now part of a distinguished group including Adare Manor owned by JP McManus amongst others. It shot to worldwide prominence in 1999 when hosting the wedding of David and Victoria Beckham.
Colm Hannon, Chief Executive of Adare Manor & Luttrellstown Castle Resort, said:
“We are delighted that Peter is joining the team at Luttrellstown Castle,” said Colm Hannon, Chief Executive of Adare Manor and Luttrellstown Castle.
“Peter has had a successful professional career and brings over 20 years of golfing experience with him, including professional playing, and golf mentoring and tuition for juniors and aspiring golf professionals.”
“He has also worked closely with the European Tour on a range of initiatives, including coaching programmes and developing relationships with new promoters for the sport.”
“His extensive experience in organising and participating in many high profile tournaments and events throughout the world will be invaluable to his new role maintaining Luttrellstown Castle Resort as the premier golf club in the Dublin area”.
Laurie will continue playing on the European Tour through to the end of the current season before taking up his new role.
“I have enjoyed my years on the tour and have made many great friends and contacts,” he said.
“I hope to build on my relationships to promote Luttrellstown Castle Resort as the top class venue it is in Ireland. I am very excited by this new role. I know the course well and look forward very much to working with the team”.
The news was also welcomed by Paul McGinley, winning European Ryder Cup captain in 2014.
“I wish Peter the very best of luck in this new role at Luttrellstown. Peter brings great energy, enthusiasm and professionalism with him and is always a great ambassador for golf in Ireland and internationally”.
Luttrellstown’s sister course at Adare Manor is currently undergoing extensive renovation and is expected to be reopened with a repeat of the JP McManus Invitational in 2017.
Sport for Business’ Coverage of the Business of Golf is in partnership with Carr Golf – Experts in the Business of Golf
