Golf clubs welcome new sustainability funding

Golf clubs welcome new sustainability funding

24 March 2021

LOCAL golf clubs are to share in a £4.2m support package for the sport province-wide.

A total of 26 clubs throughout Northern Ireland will share in the funding package announced by Sport NI.

The biggest share will go to Royal County Down in Newcastle, which has been awarded £1,562,452.

The next highest local award goes to Ardglass Golf Club, which will receive £128,558. 

Spa are next with £41,984, while St Patrick’s, Downpatrick, are set to receive £18,465.

The money comes as part of the Northern Ireland Sports Sustainability Fund, which aims to help stabilise areas of the sports sector that have been most effected by Covid-19.

Chief Executive of Golf Ireland, Mark Kennelly said: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a severe financial impact on golf clubs which, despite being closed for long periods over the last 12 months, have significant costs to bear in maintaining facilities and the courses themselves.

“Golf Ireland is committed to supporting its affiliated clubs in every way we can, and we are delighted that this funding has been secured for clubs in Northern Ireland.”

Another local beneficiary from the Sports Sustainability Fund is the Downpatrick-based Lecale Swimming Club, which is to receive funding of £20,899.