Lackabane course at Killarney closes indefinitely

The four-time Irish Open host has decided to shut its third course as part of an ongoing savings drive to safeguard the future of the club. Killarney has engaged Deloitte to present a detailed financial map to the future, but as a first step has informed members Lackabane will close from October 28.

Earlier this year the club inked a crucial €6m deal with neighbouring crane manufacturer Liebherr to sell the land and lease the Lackabane course back from their industrial neighbour. Without the agreement, the club’s future could have been imperiled.

Asked yesterday whether Killarney GC itself was still in trouble, secretary-manager Maurice O’Meara said it was not, but could have been without the Liebherr deal. The Killeen and Mahony’s Point courses will continue to operate as normal, he said.

On the Lackabane closure, Mr O’Meara added: "While the course will close indefinitely, the Golf Academy will remain open. This is a decision made by the board of directors of Killarney Golf Club Ltd. This decision was not made lightly but is in the best interest of the long-term future of the facility."

Last month the club was forced to dismiss as "wildly inaccurate and untrue" local reports that it had accumulated debts of €2m in the last four years.

Killarney has initiated a three-year business plan, prepared by the club directors with the assistance of Deloitte.

Mr O’Meara said this was a proactive response to continuing trading difficulties impacting on the golf and tourism industry nationally and is designed to ensure Killarney can plan a successful future for the facility.

"The review of operations will examine trading performance and revenue streams, evaluate projected green fees, membership subscriptions, retail income and operational costs."