Pat Ruddy may not be hosting the 2010 Irish PGA at the European Club but the renowned course designer has not been sitting idle in Co Wicklow.

The news from Donegal is that Ruddy has been called in to advise Ballyliffin on upgrading and renovating the bunkering on Glashedy Links to make sure that the course remains one of the world’s most admired and valid tests of championship golf.

The work will be carried out by the Ballyliffin staff as part of winter work programmes over the next two or three winters.

According to John Farren, the general manager at Ballyliffin: "The bunkers on Glashedy were due to be repaired this winter but it was felt that a number should be repositioned and professional advice should be engaged to avoid repairing bunkers which would ultimately be deemed to be misplaced.

"The design brief is to enhance the entire bunkering programme on the links and in particular to improve bunker visibility, present a more challenging course to more accomplished players whilst presenting a less hazardous game for the club golfer.

"The programme is also designed to add to the aesthetic impact with element of each hole being more clearly framed and presented to view. This will enable every grade of golfer decide on what strategy to adopt from shot to shot.

"We hope members will appreciate that this represents good value for money and will greatly enhance our course for both members and visitors.

"The final outcome will be a links which will be at the forefront as a modern championship test and will attract even more international attention to Ballyliffin than before. The golfing press has already responded positively and the improvements to the links will attract much media attention as the project unfolds.

"It is intended to keep disruption to play to an absolute minimum throughout the work programme."

Pat Ruddy is recognized as one of the worlds leading golf architects, is a respected golf writer nationally and internationally, is a world ranking panelist for the World’s 100 Greatest  Golf Courses list with GOLF Magazine USA and the owner of The European Club.

He was one of the original architects of Glashedy along with the late Tom Craddock and was considered the obvious choice for the upgrading of Glashedy bunkering.

With the venue for next year's Irish PGA yet to be officially announced, there is no doubt that the Glashedy Links would be a stern test for the cream of Irish professional golf and major winner Padraig Harrington.

Ulster last hosted the championship in 2001 when Des Smyth claimed the title for the sixth time with a three stroke win over Paul McGinley at Castlerock.

The Irish Professional Championship last visited Donegal in 1972, when Jimmy Kinsella triumphed at Bundoran.