Carr News

December 2009

14/12 Ballesteros Lifetime Achievement Award 2009

Ballesteros is presented with the Award as part of BBC's program "Sports Personality of the Year 2009"

Please click on the link below to watch José-Maria Olazabal present his friend Seve with the trophy at his home in Spain.
Ballesteros Lifetime Achievement Award 2009

06/12 Roddy Carr discusses preparations for The 2011 Solheim Cup

Roddy Carr chats to Con Murphy and Jacqui Hurley from RTE Radio on the staging of The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle

Please click on the link below should you wish to listen to the RTE Radio podcast where Roddy Carr chats to Con Murphy and Jacqui Hurley from RTE Radio on preparations for the staging of The 2011 Solheim Cup and the 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open.
RTE Podcast - The 2011 Solheim Cup

To avail of early bird packages for The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle: Click Here

03/12 The 2009 Huzienga Open, Florida

Marty & Gerry Carr loose 2009 Huizenga Open in a shootout at the Flordian Yacht & Golf Club


The "Huizenga Open", hosted by Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga, took place at the private Floridian Yacht & Golf Club from 3rd–5th December 2009. Pictured are flight winners Bob Thomas and Steve Maritz with Marty and Gerry Carr, who came second in the 2009 Huizenga Open.





Also at the Huizenga Open were Jane Lawless and Pam Swensen (President of the Executive Women’s Golf Association), pictured here with Marty Carr, Gerry Carr and Bob Thomas during the Practice Round.

November 2009

24/11 The 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open to take place at Killeen Castle

Killeen Castle to host the 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open supported by Fáilte Ireland
on August 6th-8th, 2010 (Killeen Castle, Ireland -- 24th November 2009)

The 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open, supported by Fáilte Ireland, will take place on 6th-8th August at Killeen Castle on the Jack Nicklaus Signature designed course, that will also host The 2011 Solheim Cup.

It is anticipated that the move to August in the week immediately following the Ricoh Women’s British Open, will attract some of the biggest names in ladies golf, not only on the Ladies European Tour but also on an international level as it is presently a free week on the LPGA calendar.

In addition to one of the biggest purses in Europe of €500,000 on offer, it will also provide Solheim Cup contenders from both teams the unique opportunity to play the highly acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature course competitively a year before The 2011 Solheim Cup. It is unlikely that the event will be played at Killeen Castle in 2011 on the same dates due to the proximity of the Matches, scheduled for September 23-25, 2011.

“We are delighted that the 2010 AIB Ladies Irish Open will be played at the magnificent Killeen Castle in Co. Meath. This is an important part of the build up to 2011 when The Solheim Cup, the largest women’s golf team even in the world, comes to Ireland. It will also be hosted at Killeen Castle, which we expect will have a very positive economic impact on the surrounding communities, in both the short term and the long term. This is very much in accord with our sponsorship focus on local communities”, said Billy Andrews, General Manager of AIB.

Fáilte Ireland also added that it is delighted to be supporting the Open “which will present a great opportunity to showcase our golfing product on a world stage and will, once again, place Ireland in the international spotlight. It also takes us another step closer to hosting The 2011 Solheim Cup, where we will promote Irish golf tourism to a new global audience.”

24/11 Europe’s Solheim Cup Captain Announced

Nicholas Retained as Europe’s Solheim Cup Captain for Killeen Castle in 2011
(Killeen Castle, Ireland -- 24th November 2009) – The Ladies European Tour announced that Alison Nicholas will lead The European Solheim Cup Team as Captain for a second term at Killeen Castle in Ireland in 2011.

Nicholas was selected following a unanimous decision by the European Solheim Cup Committee, comprising the Ladies European Tour representatives, Players’ Council and past captains.

The Committee felt that the experience Nicholas gained at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois three months ago was invaluable and she deserved to be re-appointed.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Nicholas at a press conference at Killeen Castle on Tuesday. “It’s a great honour and privilege to be a captain at home. I loved the experience at Rich Harvest Farms and I thought we were going to do it; I really did! That’s why I’m confident for Ireland because I’m confident in my players. From what I understand it was a unanimous decision so it was very pleasing for me.”

Alexandra Armas, Executive Director of the Ladies European Tour, explained: “Alison was a natural choice for the selection committee as she was such an inspirational figure at Rich Harvest Farms. Although Europe lost the match, Alison had her team extremely well prepared and we are convinced that she will give Europe the best chance of winning back the trophy in Ireland.”

John A Solheim, Chairman and CEO of PING, the founding sponsor and global partner of the event, echoed those sentiments. “I was excited to hear that the LET has selected Alison Nicholas as the European Solheim Cup Captain in 2011. Watching Alison's intensity at Rich Harvest Farms, I am confident that she will have the European squad ready for competition at Killeen Castle for the 2011 Solheim Cup,” he said.

The winner of the U.S. Open in 1997, Nicholas made six straight Solheim Cup appearances as a player and was on the European team when it triumphed in Scotland in 1992 and 2000. She retired from tournament play in 2004, but was involved in the competition as Catrin Nilsmark’s assistant captain in 2003 and in 2005.

On her debut as Captain at Rich Harvest Farms in 2009, the Americans kept their untarnished home record intact with a 16 to 12 final score against the Europeans and now lead the competition 8-3.

However, Nicholas, from Birmingham in England, feels confident that Europe can stage a comeback at Killeen Castle in County Meath, from 23-25th September, 2011.

For further information visit: solheimcup.com

To avail of early bird packages for The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle: Click Here

16/11 Carr Golf launches a new www.carrgolf.com website

Aside from the new look site, it is now integrated with a new back office system enabling browsers and customers to enter events and pay online for the first time.

16/11 Carr Golf Travel goes live with new RESCO reservation system

The new system will automate the many back office functions of the company and enable the team to focus more on the customer service elements of the business.

02/11 Christy O’Connor Sr was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame by Christy O’Connor Jr.

He is the second Irishman ever to be inducted, following in JB Carr’s footsteps and is the 130th recipient. The 2009 inductees were Christy O’Connor, Jose Maria Olazabal, President Eisenhower and Lanny Watkins. See JBs induction by Jack Nicklaus on in our Video Section

01/11 The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle has appointed Carr Golf Travel as the official partner to operate Solheim Cup Travel

Carr Golf Travel will act as a special purpose vehicle offering official packages to the 2011 event being held at Killeen Castle in Co Meath.

To avail of early bird packages for The 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle, Click Here

01/11 The Cliffs Communities avail of Concierge Travel Service

Carr Golf Travel has agreed to become the official International Concierge Travel partner of the Cliffs Communities in North & South Carolina, the primary focus being on golf travel to Ireland and other key destinations. The exclusive Cliffs resorts will also hold an event in Ireland in 2010 called the Cliffs Emerald Challenge.

If you are interested in our Concierge Travel Club: Click Here

01/11 PGA Met Section Pro Am visits Sawgrass

Carr Golf Travel managed the Inaugural PGA Met Section Pro Am at the Sawgrass Marriott resort in Jacksonville. A sponsor of the PGA Met Section, this event has been run in Pinehurst for several years and Carr Golf Travel secured the event for Sawgrass which is now Irish owned. The event was played over three d ays playing Dyes Valley, the TPC Stadium Course and Sawgrass Country Club. The event was won by St. Andrews Golf Club based on the Hudson in New York. The team was headed by resident PGA Professional Greg Bisconti.

October 2009

25/10 Announcing the Celtic Couples Challenge

Carr Golf Travel has announced the introduction of a new family event in 2010, the Celtic Couples Challenge. Played over the Links at Doonbeg and the home of the Ryder Cup, the K-Club, this event is expected to join the other family events in the Carr Events portfolio such as the Father & Son and Father & Daughter. For further details see the Tournaments section of the website.

If you are interested in our Family Tournaments: Click Here

20/11 American Broadcasters Foundation

Carr Golf Travel have formed a partnership with the American Broadcasters Foundation to raise money for the Foundation. The Charitable arm of the Broadcasters Foundation of American, will host an event in Ireland in 2010.

To find out more about the Broadcasters Charity Cup: Click Here

19/11 Northern California PGA

Carr Golf Travel has agreed to sponsor the Northern California PGA with our good friend and golf celebrity John Abendroth. The NCPGA are planning an event in Ireland in 2010 which will be run by Carr Golf Travel.

To find out more about this event: Click Here

15/10 Carr Golf Travel hosts Asian golf Influencers in Ireland

In Partnership with the K-Club, Merrion, Old Head , Tourism Ireland and key partner Des McGathan from Ballinacurra House Hotel in Kinsale, we hosted 12 buyers and journalists from China, Singapore and Homh Kong to Ireland. The editors of Hong Kong Golf Digest and Golf Magazine in China along with Golf operators from all three countries visited Ireland to explore the opportunities to bring more Asian Golfers to Ireland. “With YE Yang winning the PGA and the surge of Asian Women Golfers, this is a market that is very much on our Radar according to Brian Healy from Carr Golf. The admittance of Golf to the Olympics will have a significant impact on Golf in Asia.

September 2009

20/09 Carr Mara Trophy won by Bel Air Golf Club at Winged Foot

the 2nd bi-annual Carr Mara inter club trophy was won by Bel Air Golf Club at Winged Foo t. The two day event in which 14 golf clubs participate is in aid of the Carr Mara Trust.

5/09 Carr Golf visit India for the first time

Carr Group visited India for the first time joining a Tourism Ireland promotional trip. The visit included Bangalore and Delhi. India offers significant potential and Marty Carr visited Bangalore Golf Club, Delhi Golf Club and DLF Country Club, which is owned by KP Singh, a longstanding client of the Carr Family.

August 2009

BUTLERS PIP JP AT THE POST
– 20th World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament

The renowned World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament took up residence for the 20th time at the splendid Tom Fazio redesigned Waterville Golf Links in Kerry from August 12th–16th. The tournament is held over four days and is played in a four ball better ball stableford format.

Sir Ian Botham and son Liam finished on Day 1 with an impressive score of 42, placing them 2nd, behind Jay & Jay Jnr Connolly from the USA with a score of 45. Day 2 was played under challenging weather conditions where the Butler team and McManus team finished well with a score of 43 and 41 respectively.

It was a close call on the final day of competition but at the end of three days competition the Butler team secured the trophy for the second time (having won previously in 2006) with an impressive score of 122 ahead of the McManus team with 119. In third place were last year’s winners Gerry and Cormac McManus.

The US teams of Klein, Pell and Wakefield were strong contenders, while Sir Ian Botham and son Liam (UK) finished in the top 10. Other attendees included Tom & Gavin Fazio (US) and Dermot & Brett Desmond (IRE).

The event attracted 160 golfers from India, USA, Dubai, Hong Kong, Scotland, England, Canada and Ireland.

July 2009

2nd World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament

Doonbeg, Ireland; The 2nd World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament was won by Keith & Michelle Black from the Cliffs in North Carolina, USA. The Blacks entered the event by qualifying at the Cliffs earlier this year. They beat Kieran and Orla Walshe from Doonbeg, Ireland by 2 points in a close run finish. In third place were Declan and Julie Ann Fearon from Milltown Golf Club in Dublin, Ireland on 81 points.
The 2009 event comprised 24 teams from US, Canada and Ireland and will be held once again in Doonbeg in 2010. The course, designed by Greg Norman, played difficult but was praised by all participants. Doonbeg Golf Club is the venue where Stewart Cink spent the week before the Open and credited his victory to the practice he put in on this stunning Irish Links and on its illustrious neighbour, Lahinch Golf Club.
Doonbeg Golf Club was developed by the owners of Kiawah Island and it has been transformed into one of the finest Links resorts in the world with sumptuous accommodations, picturesque location, and impeccable service on offer at all times

June 2009

The AIB Ladies Irish Open

The most important women’s event in Irish golf takes place from June 26th-28th when the AIB Ladies Irish Open, supported by Fáilte Ireland and Killeen Castle, once again visits Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.

After the success of last years tournament at the same venue a high class field will once again be in action, no doubt keen to get a taste of Ireland ahead of the 2011 Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle. A strong field is once again expected with the main draw likely to be world number 4 and living legend of ladies golf, Laura Davies.

The tournament director of the event is our own Roddy Carr who commented: ‘We invited Laura Davies back to the AIB Ladies Irish Open to acknowledge her legendary status and contribution to the women’s game in Ireland. Her recent form in Australia indicates that she is still very competitive against the many emerging lionesses on tour and I expect her to contend for the title at Portmarnock Links.’
The AIB Ladies Irish Open is also delighted to announce that it is supporting Marie Keating Foundation's sun exposure awareness campaign and will be donating all revenue from ticket sales to the foundation.

15 May 2009

Nickaus visits Killeen Castle

On Friday 15th May 2009 the legendary Jack Nicklaus paid a visit to Irish Shores to open his second signature course in Ireland at Killeen Castle near Dublin. Built to provide the sternest of Championship challenges while remaining accessible to the average golfer, Jack has created 18 spectacular holes at Killeen each with its own unique features.

No detail has been overlooked at any stage of the project and in keeping with the Nicklaus philosophy of working with the natural landscape rather than against it, the course features stunning stonework which was quarried from the site and hand-tooled by expert craftsmen.

It is a testament to the quality of the Nicklaus creation at Killeen Castle that the course has already been awarded the hosting of the 2011 Solheim Cup.

Watch Jack discussing Killeen Castle on Irish TV’s Late Late Show
Watch Jack inducting Joe Carr into the World Golf Hall of Fame

13 May 2009

O'Connor inducted into Hall of Fame

Christy O’Connor has become just the second Irishman to be elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame. The 84-year-old follows the late great amateur Joe Carr and will be inducted at a ceremony in Florida in November.
“This is a fantastic honour, not only for myself and my family, but for the whole of Ireland and, in particular, all my friends in professional golf who helped me enjoy a wonderful career in the game,” he said.
“I never expected to be nominated, never mind elected.
“This news comes in the same week that I celebrate 50 years as a professional at Royal Dublin. I would have to say it is one of the great weeks in my life.”
O’Connor won 24 European Tour events and played in 10 Ryder Cups, but never competed in The Masters because he “couldn’t afford to”.
His nephew Christy Junior followed him into the Ryder Cup and played one of the greatest shots in the history of the event to beat Fred Couples as Europe retained the trophy at The Belfry in 1989.

Source: Irish Times
Date: May 13, 2009

27 March 2009

New Corballis holes make it a 'glittering gem'

CLASSIC links golf for the masses -- that's what is on offer at Corballis in North County Dublin.

And now what was a 'little gem' has been upgraded into a 'glittering gem' thanks to the work of internationally renowned course architect, Ron Kirby.

Last Friday the official opening of four new holes -- carved out of the classic dune land alongside Donabate beach -- took place.

Designer Kirby was there to join the members and visitors who sampled the new-look Corballis... Read the full article New Corballis holes make it a 'glittering gem'
By Liam Kelly
Irish Independent

16 March 2009

Carr Golf Services Appointed to Manage Golf Operations at La Pironda

New Golf Resort underway in Piedmont, Italy

Carr Golf Services, a leading provider of business solutions to the golf industry, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage the golf operations of La Pironda, a five-star resort currently under development in Montiglio, Piedmont in Italy.

Work commenced at La Pironda in 2007 and the development, which is located over 220 hectares of land, is scheduled for completion in 2012. The development will consist of a 36-hole golf course, luxury five-star hotel as well as apartments. It will also feature an exclusive equestrian centre with outdoor arena and miles of nature trails for both hikers and riders. Other activities will include an Italian cookery school, fishing, archery and clay pigeon shooting.

The resort is located beside Montiglio in the Province of Asti in the Italian region Piedmont, located about 30 km east of Turin and about 20 km northwest of Asti. This magnificent little hill town is completely undiscovered and is set in the rolling hills of Monferrato. The town has a stupendous setting, rich in history and full of magnificent architecture including a medieval castle. Montiglio also has great food, ideal for the true gourmand looking for a taste of authentic Piedmont cuisine, while La Pironda will boast an Italian shop selling local produce, which will be open to visitors.

La Pironda is set to become one of the premier golf resorts in Italy. It brings together key names in the industry from Orion Construction to Moroder golf architects, Mezzalira Project Management, Locep Real Estate and engineering company Moscone.

“La Pironda is an exciting addition to our portfolio. Our procedures and expertise in golf course management are both innovative and unparalleled, which is reflected in our growing number of customers” stated Ed Pettit, Commercial Director of Carr Golf Services. “Our knowledge of the industry and tailor-made solutions, combined with Orion’s experience and the design talent of Moroder, are the ideal ingredients for success at La Pironda”.

Founded in 1990, Carr Golf Services provides complete management and operational solutions for a golf facility. From advisory services to complete operational management, clients of Carr Golf Services benefit from tailored solutions and a partner that is resourceful, dynamic and committed to superior service and the client’s financial success.

06 February 2009

Irish Golf’s Greatest Year

Click here for full article on Irish Golf’s Greatest Year (page 10-11)

06 February 2009

Trends in the Aviation Industry, Aer Lingus

Click here for full article onTrends in the Aviation Industry, Aer Lingus (page 12-13)

06 February 2009

Carr Group Explores New Markets

Click here for full article on Carr Group Explores New Markets (page 24-25)

06 February 2009

Carr Golf Services News

Click here for full article on Carr Golf Services News (page 26-27)

February 2009

Carr Digest - Issue Spring 2009