Jetsettersblog

Druids Glen Golf Resort, one of the leading golfing venues in Europe, has become the latest big name to join National County Card.

In a major coup for the scheme designed to benefit private members clubs and its members, the 2005 European Golf Resort of the Year has enrolled both its championship courses in the innovative concept.

National County Card (NCC) already features more than 1,100 courses across the world in its growing portfolio, including San Roque, La Manga and PGA de Catalunya in Spain, Oceanico Group’s seven courses in Portugal and two of the most famous venues in America – the Blue Monster at Doral and the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, Florida.

And card holders will now also be able to play Druids Glen, often referred to as ‘The Augusta of Europe’, and the newer Druids Heath championship courses at the best discounted green fee rates available thanks to the new agreement.

“Druids Glen joined National County Card because it is a scheme targeting golf club members with valid handicaps, who want to visit and experience playing other golf clubs whether they are locals in the area, on a business trip or away on holiday,” said Denis Kane, chief executive of Druids Glen Golf Resort, which lies in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow.

“It costs nothing to join and NCC promote us via their website and e-mails to their cardholders, and it is a way in which Druids Glen and Druids Heath will receive more visitors.

“These type of schemes work well when there are a number of clubs that have joined in the same area. We are looking forward to welcoming many more visiting golfers from Ireland and the UK.”

Card holders can play Druids Glen – home of the Irish Open between 1996-99 and European Golf Course of the Year in 2000 – for 20 euros cheaper than the normal green fee during the high and low season.

And they will receive a 30 euro discount off their round when they play its sister course Druids Heath – which opened to widespread acclaim in 2003, is a spectacular mix of parkland, heathland and links golf and hosted the 2006 Irish PGA Championship.

Rob Sutton, managing director of NCC, said: “The discounts that we have agreed per round mean that the NCC card at £24.95 is all but paid for in one round, leaving member golfers the rest of the year to play golf from members guest rates.

“Druids Glen is regarded as one of the best venues not just in Ireland but across Europe and to have them on board is fantastic news.

“NCC has only been going for just over a year but we have already assembled a first-class list of courses for our members to enjoy. The scheme is gathering momentum all the time, we have established a great platform and are determined to build on that over the coming months.”

All members of private members clubs with a valid handicap certificate can buy an NCC card and take advantage of discounted green fees at top venues across the UK, Europe and North America.

Card holders can achieve major discounts on green fees whether they are travelling on business, weekend breaks or holiday and, as cards are sold via the NCC website, there is no administration for clubs.

NCC is free to join for private members clubs and offers a series of benefits including a complimentary tailored advertising campaign at a nearby driving range – aimed at increasing memberships and visitor levels.

They will also receive a free listing on NCC’s website that includes an advert for their club and photographs of the course where clubs can promote their facilities, accommodation and special offers.

In addition, enrolled clubs will also receive £5 per card sold when their members buy a card to play at any of the clubs that have joined the scheme.

For a full list of NCC courses and details on how to join, go to www.nationalcountycard.co.uk

For more details on Druids Glen Golf Resort, visit www.druidsglen.ie