Construction is complete on a new short game area at Spanish Point Golf Club in Ireland – located 10 miles south of Lahinch. The project was led by David Minogue of On-Site Golf Design.

“The club approached me through outgoing captain Mervin Hehir at the start of February to come and investigate the opportunity of creating a short game area for the club, as they were in the process of receiving a Sports Capital Grant from the government for improvements to the course,” said Minogue. “The overall scope of the project was to try and produce a stand-alone practice facility which would greatly benefit the members, junior section and possibly increase community interest and stimulate the opportunity for new members.”

Work began at the end of June and was completed by the second week of July, a week ahead of schedule. Construction and irrigation work was carried out by local shaper Joseph Kelly, while finishing was overseen by Minogue, links superintendent Dennis Gallery, and club captains John Lewis and Mervin Hehir.

“An important factor in the design was the consideration of safety and ensuring the players who utilised the facility would be contained and protected as the area was adjacent to the first tee box,” said Minogue. “Mounding was created down one side of the area and slabbed with marram grass to replicate the natural dunes on the existing course. Considering we were dealing with a modest budget, the goal was to come up with the best product possible that the club could afford.

“It was a great project to be involved with where I had the opportunity to use all my skill sets from engineering, design, turf and project management to fulfil the client’s brief.”