New 3rd and 12th greens for Co. Sligo as countdown begins to Connollys Motor Group sponsored West of Ireland
The Connollys Motor Group-sponsored West of Ireland Championship will be played at County Sligo Golf Club from April 3-7
New greens at the par-five third and 12th holes will be ready for the Connollys Motor Group-sponsored West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo Golf Club from April 3-7
The Championship launch was held at the club on Thursday and the feature this year is some major changes carried out to the links under the watchful eye of architects Mackenzie & Ebert.
The par-five third green was recently remodelled, and there is now a completely new 12th green complex, situated closer to the water, adding about 30 yards to the hole.
There is also new bunkering to challenge the approach to a par-five, which is often a pivotal hole in proceedings before matches head down Co Sligo’s difficult closing stretch.
“As we look ahead to the West of Ireland Championship, there’s a real sense of pride around the club in the work that’s been done,” said Colin Starrett, the club’s Head Professional. “Every change was a chance to let the course be what it has always been, a true links test sitting naturally in its landscape.
“It provides a challenge to golfers at every level, from the club player to the elite amateurs playing here in a few weeks’ time.
“Since last year’s championship, the standout changes have come at the third and 12th greens, along with their surrounds.
“The third green has been slightly raised and reshaped to give it greater visual and strategic presence, while the 12th now sits on the very edge of the course, creating a natural ‘infinity’ effect into the surrounding landscape, a change that we believe will be talked about for years to come.
“These changes are really about enjoyment and playability. We wanted to make sure the everyday golfer finds the course more playable and rewarding, while the elite amateurs are still asked the right questions. It’s been a thoughtful process and we’re proud to showcase the results.”
Key course changes for 2026 include:
• Unified bunker strategy: The bunkering has been rationalised from 84 to 71, with 31 removed and 18 new or reshaped to embrace a consistent “rough-edged” style that fits more naturally into the landscape while reinforcing strategic challenge.
• Refined fairways & run-offs: Fairway lines have been subtly adjusted on several holes to encourage strategic thinking off the tee, while expanded run-off areas around greens reward precise placement and recovery.
• Green and tee enhancements: Multiple enlarged or recontoured greens increase variety and complexity of pin positions, and new tee boxes, notably on the 5th, offer fresh angles and lengths to key holes.
These improvements, carried out in partnership with DAR Golf Construction and the club’s own greens team, have been thoughtfully timed to coincide with the Championship, ensuring players experience the fresh contours and strategic refinements at their best.
Greystones’ Dylan Holmes is expected to defend his title following last year’s hard-fought win over Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell in horrendous conditions.
Supporting the event again, Connolly Motor Group have extended their sponsorship through 2027, underscoring its commitment to regional sport and community engagement.
