First championship links course in 100 years being developed by ambitious group
The Hospitality group are investing €35 million in building the 18-hole course in Bellarena, Co Derry, on the north west coast between Limavady and Coleraine.
The company said development of Bellarena Golf Links will start next year, subject to planning approval, and open in 2029. It said building the course would bring its total investment in the north west to around €75 million, creating an additional 300 jobs.
The announcement comes as the area plays host to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club around 20 miles away. Golf tourism in Northern Ireland generates €99 million annually, a number that has increased 66% since Portrush last hosted The Open Championship in 2019.
Tourist bosses have highlighted capacity is a limiting factor in driving further growth, with only so many visitors able to play on the region's landmark seaside links course at any one time.
Galgorm Collection already owns and runs the championship parkland course at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and a course at Roe Valley in Limavady.
Galgorm Collection managing director, Colin Johnston, said: "Our exciting plans to develop a new 18-hole links golf course at Bellarena on Northern Ireland's stunning north west coast will deliver a once-in-generation opportunity to drive a new era of golfing and tourism success that will amplify our outstanding and award-winning credentials while also creating hundreds of jobs.
"Preparatory work is already well under way that could pave the way for development from next year before we welcome our first guests in 2029. We look forward to consulting widely on our plans and engaging stakeholders at every level to ensure collective, shared success for the local community, the north west region and Northern Ireland as a whole.'
The announcement was welcomed by Stormont's Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald. She said: 'Golf tourism generated a record €99 million for the region last year and this month's Open at Royal Portrush will help to increase this impact even further. I commend the Galgorm Collection team for their confidence and ambition in supporting our drive to amplify the regional prosperity which the sport can bring.'
At the forefront of the region's tourism growth, Galgorm Collection has invested around £120 million in less than two decades and currently employs a team of more than 1,400.
Ellvena Graham OBE, Tourism Northern Ireland Board Chair, said: 'With a rich heritage and stunning views, Northern Ireland is a highly sought-after destination for golfers from across the globe and our golf strategy focuses on maximising our strengths to continue to grow this crucially important part of our tourism offer.
"Galgorm Collection has been a pioneer in developing an outstanding, internationally acclaimed tourism product and I'm delighted that this key, experienced tourism stakeholder is further investing in this area.'
Welcoming the plans, East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell, said: "Tourism is an important element in the economic development of the North West and an investment of this scale by Galgorm Collection will provide a major economic boost for the area and create new job opportunities while also helping to showcase the region's outstanding natural assets.
"This investment will also help ensure that the benefits of tourism are more widely spread, supporting local growth and prosperity. I'm delighted at the news and look forward to seeing these plans progress over the months ahead.'
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