Club Choice Ireland

Club Choice Ireland is a new marketing organisation which aims to promote the second tier of Irish courses.

Club Choice Ireland's Managing Director Tiernan Byrne, speaking at the UK launch at St Pierre Marriott Country Club explained that there were many courses with superb facilities that offer value for money which tend to get overlooked by visiting golfers who concentrate on Ireland's more famous courses.

Club Choice Ireland is an alliance of several of these courses together with local hotels and ferry company Stena Line.

Following the launch, Club Choice Ireland's 29 trade partners will embark on a marketing campaign which will include a series of golf days at golf clubs in England and Wales.

The new organisation has the backing of Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. David Boyce, head of business and sports tourism for Tourism Ireland GB, said:

"Golf continues to play a major role in attracting visitors, both new and old, to Ireland and we're delighted to give our support to this fantastic way of showcasing some great courses that may be less well known in the UK."

Mr Bryne argued that golf in Ireland had got rather ahead of itself, and clubs had started to charge steep green fees that could not be justified, but economic necessity has now brought about a more realistic approach.

"Value is at the core of our product and all our partners have provided packages that simply won't be beaten," he claimed.

Club Choice Ireland can tailor a package to suit any golfer's requirements, including golf, food, accommodation and ferry travel.

For more details see www.clubchoiceireland.com/ or phone 0800 285 1490.