CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE SWINGS INTO
ACTION AT TEMPLEPATRICK, NORTHERN IRELAND

£1.7 million invested in "The Golf Club" at Stakis Park Hotel

The first round of golf at the new 18 hole PGA championship golf course, "The Golf Club" at Stakis Park, Templepatrick, Northern Ireland took place on Tuesday 1 June 1999.

The 7000 yard, par 71 course cost £1.7 million to develop and is located on 220 acres of parkland on the Caste Upton Estate in Templepatrick, County Antrim. The course is only the second one in Northern Ireland built to US Golf Association specifications and was designed by leading golf professionals, David Feherty and David Jones of Northern Ireland.

Bill Donald, newly appointed Golf Director at Stakis Park comments, "I am pleased to report that we already have a very healthy membership which is increasing all the time and have signed up a number of Corporate and Golf Society Days."

"The Golf Club is a real challenge for the world's best professionals as well as being suitable for players of all abilities. The designers have produced a great range of holes making use of the natural features along with five man-made lakes and a course comprising no less than 12 water hazards."

The Golf Club also features a putting green and a practice ground offering individual tuition as well as a golf academy and a pro shop selling the latest clothing and equipment.

"Our expertise lies in organising events tailored to meet individual and corporate needs from golfing tuition to team building," continues Bill Donald.

The four star Stakis Park hotel, adjoining The Golf Club, opened in June 1998 and features 130 en suite bedrooms as well as a 12,500 sq ft Living Well health club. The hotel's restaurant catering for 140 people, offers international cuisine with panoramic views across the golf course. Upstairs the more informal Kinahan's Brasserie and Bar overlooks the 18th green.

The Golf Club overlooks the spectacular County Antrim hill and is within easy access of Belfast airports, ferry ports and Belfast City Centre.