Padraig Harrington unveils Marlay Putting Green to the public

Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington officially launched the Marlay Putting Green today, a family focused golf facility which is now open to the public.

This new free public amenity aims to attract new audiences to golf and provide a place for everyone to meet and have fun.

The Marlay Putting Green is located in Dublin’s Marlay Park beside the new Boules Court and has been designed to provide an enjoyable golfing experience for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The putting green has been constructed in a sustainable manner to conserve resources and can be easily accessed from all parts of the Park.

Councillor Mary Hanafin, Cathaoirleach at Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with Padraig Harrington, one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars. We look forward to welcoming all ages and abilities to the Marlay Putting Green.”

Harrington worked closely with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, who provided the site and will manage and operate the green.

John Clarkin’s team at Turfgrass provided their expertise in construction and agronomy and worked alongside Atlantic Golf Construction in the build of the putting green.

The project was funded by the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation together with the assistance of a golf development grant from The R&A, and also a grant from Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme.

This is a consolidation of philanthropic teamwork, as highlighted by Padraig Harrington:

“I am thrilled to announce the opening of the Marlay Putting Green. It has been amazing to see this project come to fruition, and I am so pleased the people of Dublin will be able experience golf in a fun and family focused setting. My aim for this project has always been to create an affordable and accessible facility which is designed for all ages and golf abilities at no cost.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community and find a way to introduce the game of golf to all generations.”

“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and it’s Parks team, John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass®, Anthony Bennett and the team at Atlantic Golf Construction, as well as all the contractors and suppliers who have also offered their time and services for free or at preferential rates.

“I would also like to thank The R&A, as well as Golf Ireland and Sport Ireland, for their generous grants which have made this project possible, in addition to my sponsors, Wilson and Titleist for the supply of putters and golf balls.”

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council said:

“We are immensely proud of our partnership with Padraig Harrington and this new world class local facility at Marlay Park.  This is a state of the art, unique putting course covering 3000 square metres and we look forward to bringing the game of golf to a new generation and a new audience”.

 John Clarkin from Turfgrass commented,

 “We are delighted to offer our services and participate in this community inspired project with Padraig, one that will hopefully encourage a new generation to get involved in and experience the fun side of golf.  The putting green will be six times the size of an average green and incorporates various undulations which will provide some fun hole locations.”

Attending the launch The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said:

“As Minister with responsibility for sport, one of my priorities is to increase participation in sport and physical activity and to ensure that opportunities are provided to enable people to participate. Facilities such as this putting green, which is freely accessible to the public, are key to moving the dial in terms of participation numbers.  I would like to commend Pádraig and all the team who have worked to bring this to fruition.”

 Marlay Putting Green Opening Hours

The Marlay Putting Green will open to the public on Saturday 22^nd April at 10.30am. 

In order to protect the Green during the initial two months when grass growth is low and ground conditions are unpredictable due to weather, we have to limit play to approximately 700 rounds per week spread over 6 days.

The numbers will increase over the summer, as ground conditions and grass growth improves.

To find out more about the new Putting Green click here