Transforming the Iconic Irish Links: Wicklow's European Club Undergoing a Makeover and Name Change
"You don't replace a master artist without a new canvas," remarks businessman Nicky Conlan, who, alongside his father Raymond, acquired The European Club in Co. Wicklow last year. This statement encapsulates the decision to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the links, which will also involve a name change to Brittas Bay Club. The project, led by course architect Kyle Phillips, is set to be completed in the spring of 2027.
The course, originally designed and owned by Pat Ruddy, was purchased by the Conlans, who previously worked in the motor trade, for a reported fee exceeding €30 million. The European Club held significant importance for Pádraig Harrington, serving as his preferred links for preparation in his successful Claret Jug wins in 2007 and 2008. Renowned golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have praised its excellence, with McIlroy describing it as 'probably the best links course I've ever played.'
The upcoming changes include rerouting, remastering, and a complete regrassing of the links, along with the installation of a new irrigation system. The iconic railway sleepers that lined the 96 bunkers will be removed, replaced by traditional grass-revetted faces. This transformation is a natural progression for a course that has consistently ranked among the world's top 100, as recognized by various golf publications.
John Clarkin, an agronomy specialist on the project, emphasizes the significance of these enhancements, stating, 'It's like touching up the Sistine Chapel, which will propel the course into the next century.'
For this redesign, the Conlans sought expert advice from the golfing world and chose California-based Phillips to bring their vision to life. Phillips boasts an impressive portfolio, including Kingsbarns near St Andrews in Scotland, and has worked on projects in 30 countries across five continents, with a focus on renovations and restorations. His notable work includes the California Golf Club in San Francisco, originally designed by AV Macan and Alister MacKenzie.
This is Phillips' inaugural project in Ireland. He humorously describes himself as 'a homeless person seeking work' due to his extensive global presence. The Co. Wicklow course, according to Phillips, is 'spectacular.'
The project, subject to planning permission, will feature a new clubhouse with a bar and restaurant on the first floor. The course renovation will offer players breathtaking sea views from the start, with the option to play holes in both directions along the coastline. This redesign aims to enhance playability, catering to both elite golfers and those with higher handicaps.
The course routing will undergo changes, with the scorecard reconfigured to include four par-fives, four par-threes, and a variety of par-fours. Phillips expresses his creative freedom, stating, 'I haven't been constrained at all, thanks to the extensive scope of work.'
The new layout will feature a traditional 18 holes, with no emphasis on a signature hole. Phillips challenges the notion of a signature hole, attributing its origin to Robert Trent Jones, who popularized the concept in the 1950s. He believes that a course's signature hole should be a collective experience, not a single hole.
Phillips highlights the unique shoreline, anticipating a new hole currently numbered 14, which will play inland back into a dune. This short hole, he suggests, could become a fun, drivable feature. The new layout ensures that players are in constant contact with the sea, never losing sight of its presence.
Recognizing the exceptional nature of their acquisition, the Conlans have designed a new logo for the Brittas Bay Club, featuring the tern, a migratory bird with a colony near the links. Nicky Conlan expresses their pride in representing Wicklow and Brittas Bay, emphasizing their commitment to preserving the environment and supporting the tern's conservation.
The upcoming changes at Brittas Bay Club promise to elevate an already exceptional links to even greater heights, blending tradition with innovation and environmental awareness.
