Golf development and agronomy consultancy Turfgrass has been appointed as project manager and agronomic lead for the transformation of Brittas Bay Club in Ireland, formerly known as The European Club, as the iconic links enters an exciting new chapter.
The redevelopment aims to create a pure links golf experience, rooted in the natural character of Ireland’s east coast dunes while delivering world-class playing conditions through science-led agronomy, sustainable construction and careful long-term planning.
At Brittas Bay, Turfgrass is working in close partnership with the client, acclaimed golf course architect Kyle Phillips and Esie O’Mahony, MD of golf course contractor Golf Link Evolve, overseeing the redevelopment from concept through construction, grow in to opening.
The company’s role encompasses all critical aspects of the project, including the development of detailed agronomy and construction specifications, tendering and contracts, value engineering, irrigation and drainage assistance, maintenance facility planning, budgeting and quality control, ensuring the architectural vision of Kyle Phillips is realised with agronomic integrity and long-term sustainability.
A CGI rendition of how the links at Brittas Bay will look following its redevelopment (credit Brittas Bay)
A defining feature of the project is its commitment to working with the natural landscape. Turfgrass has implemented an extensive laboratory testing programme, analysing sand samples taken from multiple locations and depths across the site. This process guarantees that all native sand will be reused, eliminating the need for imported materials while preserving the natural performance, drainage and character of the course.
Every agronomic decision has been informed by site-specific data including sand depth, percolation rates, local climate and indigenous grass species found along Ireland’s east coast. These conditions are ideally suited to fescue, the true links grass, delivering firm, fast and resilient playing surfaces that will continue to improve with time.
The redesign will help to stabilise the dune system and deliver firm, fast and resilient playing surfaces
The project also includes the redevelopment and enhancement of marram grasses throughout the course, reinforcing the authentic links aesthetic while stabilising the dune system and strengthening long-term environmental resilience.
For Turfgrass, the project holds special significance. Brittas Bay Club is located just 20 minutes from the company’s headquarters, making it a rare opportunity to apply world-class expertise to a site of such beauty and character. With Kyle Philips at the helm and the clients desire for perfection, there is no doubt Brittas Bay will be another bucketlist links golf course to experience in Ireland.
John Clarkin, founder of Turfgrass, said, “We are proud to be part of the transformation of such an iconic coastal course. Brittas Bay embodies everything we stand for at Turfgrass, a respect for the natural environment, a commitment to authentic links golf and a belief that great courses are developed through thoughtful planning and long-term stewardship. With Kyle leading this project, the entire team are creating something enduring, where the landscape leads the design and the golf will continue to improve with time.”
With construction now underway, Turfgrass will continue to guide every phase of the project, helping to shape a new future for one of Ireland’s most distinctive links courses.
