‘Golfing centre of excellence’ launched today

A £50,000 new golf academy is being launched today at the Roe Park Resort in Limavady, combining world-class facilities with expert tuition from PGA professionals.

The new Northern Ireland Centre of Golfing Excellence will be officially unveiled today, with an Opening Day invite for dedicated golfers, novice players and complete beginners to come and test out the innovative facilities first hand.

Terry Kelly, golf manager at the Roe Park Resort, said they are hoping to find Northern Ireland’s next golfing stars at the new state-of-the-art centre of excellence: “Of course we are trying to find the next Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy.” He added: “It is open to the general public, anyone can come along, young and old.”

Job opportunities may also be on the horizon for Limavady locals if the new golf academy is as successful as hoped, according to Mr Kelly. He said: “The intention is that there will be an increase in demand. It will have to happen - we are going to have to recruit extra staff, so the opportunities should be there.”

Dedicated golfers, novice players and complete beginners are also invited to an Open Day being held from 10am this morning to 9pm tonight.

The new Academy features the latest golf tuition technology including the V1 video swing analysis system which allows golfers to work with the Pro at the Roe Park Resort to correct all areas from posture to back swing. Golfers can also improve their game with the Flightscope X2 technology which is the premier portable indoor-outdoor ball flight and launch monitor favoured by Golf Pros on The Europeans Tour.

Catering for everyone from all weather golfers to those new to the game and everyone in between, the Academy’s facilities also include an 18 bay floodlit range, short game area and a large practice putting green. With the development of a three hole practice academy beginners get the opportunity to receive on course coaching allowing them to get to grips with the game at their own pace.