Orlando, Florida, United States: Golf in Ireland kicked off its expanded presence at this year’s PGA Show with an on-site event that introduced invited guests to details of Ireland’s newest course – Curracloe Links – which is set to open in 2026.

Hosted by Golf Channel’s Matt Adams, guests heard from Paul Vaughan, Director of Golf at Ardglass Golf Club; Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President Tourism Ireland, North America; and Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Design, whose company will break ground at Curracloe Links in February.

Less than two hours from Dublin, the course, developed by the Neville Group, is located next to the white sands of Curracloe Beach which was the filming location for Steven Spielberg’s epic ‘Saving Private Ryan’.

“The ancient linksland of Curracloe Links, with its rolling hills, long sea views and rugged natural bunkers, will offer a quintessential Irish links experience and lure people from all over the world to its fairways,” said Straka, whose company is an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

The announcement of development of the golf course comes as the Ravenport Resort, a luxury hotel with 50 rooms, a spa and leisure club, prepares to commence operation this spring.

The €20 million project, which is being developed by the Neville Hotel Group, is the culmination of a 25-year dream to develop a golf destination and resort that introduces travellers from around the world to the untouched beauty of southeast Ireland, one of the country’s undiscovered gems.

More than 30 partners represented Golf in Ireland at the PGA Show.

Metcalfe said: “The PGA Show provides an excellent opportunity for our golf partners to meet and do business with US golf professionals and industry partners, as well as highlight the unique nature of an Irish golf experience to media.

“The continued investment in golf, as seen with the Curracloe Links project, means Ireland will carry on offering an unforgettable, world-class golfing experience, for our visitors.

“The US golf market remains a priority for Tourism Ireland, and we continue to promote the island of Ireland as a leading golf destination. Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel market and Tourism Ireland, together with our partners Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, is working hard to drive home the message that a golfing vacation on the island of Ireland is about much more than a round of 18 holes – the combination of our world-class links, located all around the island of Ireland, and our unique brand of hospitality, plays a key role in attracting US golfers to visit.”

Ireland will find itself at the centre of the golf world in the coming years as host to The Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in 2025, while Adare Manor will be the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2027. The 2024 Irish Open will be played in September at Royal County Down.