US billionaire and business celebrity Donald trump hit West Clare yesterday and left no doubt about his high hopes for the future of Doonbeg Golf Club or Trump International Ireland as it is now known.
Trump bought the course for an estimated €15 million last year and has already begun an ambitious programme of development which will ultimately cost three times that.
The Trump portfolio runs to 16 courses around the world. 12 of those are in the US from Palm Beach in Florida to Los Angeles in California. Puerto Rico, Scotland, Dubai and Doonbeg make up the four international courses. All are in or close to being among the top 100 golf courses in the world.
The Trump philosophy may be a little more brash than conservative European golf might be comfortable with but there is no doubting the passion for perfection and the willingness to invest that can only be a winner for Clare and for Irish golf.
Bucket list
As a sport it still leads the way in terms of value per visitor and Ireland is blessed with a number of courses that are on the bucket list of most wealthy world golfers. No fewer than seven Irish courses feature on the most recent Golf Magazine list of the World’s top 100.
6. Royal County Down
15. Royal Portrush
17. Ballybunnion
40. Lahinch
54. Portmarnock
76. Waterville
86. The K Club
Trump’s plans would suggest that Doonbeg will be knocking on that door again, and soon.
He has already contacted the European Tour about hosting the Irish Open there at the next available opportunity. This is likely to 2018 though if work advanced quickly on some of the improvements 2016 might be a possibility.
The 2014 event takes place next month at Fota Island then at Royal County Down in 2015 and Lough Erne in 2015.
Success
“The Tour’s reaction was very positive because the piece of land and the location were so incredible” said Trump yesterday. “You’re talking about tremendous frontage on the Atlantic Ocean and it’s going to be a huge success.”
In terms of prestige and tourism delivery the Irish Open must be seen as competing with the Scottish Open and that event’s prize money this year will be over 50% more than in Ireland, with the backing of Aberdeen Asset Management.
A commercial headline sponsor remains elusive for the Irish Open though with the backing of Trump that may change.
He is certainly a vibrant addition to the golf scene in Ireland and a positive one at that.
