Moyvalley’s Just Champion For Clarke

Friday 20th April, 2007

Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke has hailed the Champions Course at Moyvalley, County Kildare, as the latest jewel in Ireland’s golfing crown.

Speaking ahead of Monday’s official opening of his latest creation and first in Ireland, Clarke said he believed the course would eventually be acknowledged among the nation’s finest.

"I am very proud to be associated with Moyvalley and look forward to watching the course develop" said Clarke. This is an exciting time for everybody concerned with the project and we hope we will bring enjoyment to golfers of all standards" he added.

Clarke will be joined on Monday, among others, by the newly-appointed John McHenry, former Golf Director of the K-Club and now consultant to Moyvalley and the Eassda Group, plus the Eassda owner/developer Alastair Jackson and his family.

Moyvalley incorporates a new concept in golf course design, maintenance and membership. The Champions Club is the prototype of an exciting initiative from International Sports Management which is expected to involve some of their top stars including Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood.

The Champions Club brand, synonymous with five-star facilities and quality in every aspect, will be available to certain golf clubs, which fit the quality criteria.

"This is an exciting, new venture which will add to Ireland’s rich golfing heritage and provide standards previously only aspired to in terms of quality of site, course, maintenance, membership, accommodations and clubhouse facilities and catering" said Dougie Heather, chairman of ISM.

"Everybody at ISM is thrilled about the prospect of seeing the development of The Champions Club and its aims and initiatives throughout the world" added Andrew Chandler, ISM’s managing director. "We can think of no more fitting a place for its inception than at Moyvalley".

The Champions course, adjoining the opulent Balyna Country House, is Ryder Cup star Darren Clarke’s first work in Ireland and forms an integral part of the estates 500 acres of rolling countryside.

The Champions Club will be available to private members and their guests only although hotel residents will also have the opportunity to play the course. The needs and requirements of those members will have paramount importance in the development of the project. Members will also have access to other Champions Club projects throughout the world.

*For further information contact

Elaine Loughlin
Business Devepment Manager
T: 046 954 8000
Elaine.loughlin@moyvalley.com