European Tour, LPGA Tour & Ladies European Tour Join Forces for ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland

Landmark acquisitions and investment plans represent a major uplift and confidence in Northern Ireland’s hospitality and tourism industry

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland's premier luxury hospitality group, today Monday 11 November 2024, announced a landmark £50 million investment in the region’s hospitality and tourism sector following the acquisition of two of the region’s most iconic properties: Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Park Resort in Limavady.

This combined spend, which includes acquisition costs and a multimillion-pound transformation plan for both properties, represents one of the region’s largest investments in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector and underlines Galgorm Collection’s position as the leading provider of luxury hospitality in the region.

Galgorm Collection, which owns a suite of leading properties including the iconic Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, and The Old Inn, acquired the historic, internationally renowned Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and the four-star Roe Park Resort & Spa, set in in a magnificent countryside estate in Limavady, for a combined £28 million.

In addition to acquiring both properties, Galgorm Collection has committed an additional £22 million to enhance the properties and estates over the next five years, further enriching their local, national and international appeal.

Building on Galgorm Collection’s vision for exceptional luxury experiences, this investment promises to transform and confirm both properties as must-visit destinations.

At Roe Park Resort, guests will experience an enhanced family-friendly atmosphere, a new bespoke adult-only spa designed for ultimate relaxation, and continued improvements to its renowned golf offering. The developments will position Roe Park as a top destination for families, golf enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxurious escape.

Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can look forward to significant developments at Galgorm Castle Estate, as its already impressive golf course is elevated with the bold ambition of becoming the top parkland course in Ireland. Detailed plans will be unveiled in the coming months, solidifying the Estate’s reputation as a premier destination for world class golfing experiences.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm Collection, said:

“We are delighted to welcome both Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort to the Galgorm Collection family. These are two iconic properties with strong legacies, and we are committed to building on their successes. Our £22 million investment will further enhance their offerings, creating new opportunities for guests to enjoy unparalleled experiences.

“Most importantly, we are excited to welcome the dedicated teams from Galgorm Castle and Roe Park into our collection. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and excellence, shaping an exciting future for these renowned destinations.

“We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the people of Ballymena. As the home of our flagship property, Galgorm, Ballymena has been at the heart of our journey, and its support has been integral to our success. We look forward to continuing our commitment to this community as we grow Galgorm Collection and welcome these new properties into our family.”

Conor Murphy MLA, Northern Ireland’s Minister for the Economy, said:

“This significant £50 million investment by Galgorm Collection represents a major boost to the wider economy and local communities and will also help cement the north’s international tourism reputation. Galgorm Collection is already a key player in our hospitality offering and this investment demonstrates their commitment to the sector and is a vote of confidence in the tourism potential here for local and international visitors.

“The investment very much aligns with my economic plan of delivering good jobs and a regionally balanced economy where economic development is felt beyond our main urban centres. This kind of investment helps ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across the north, supporting long-term growth and prosperity.”

John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, added:

“These landmark acquisitions by Galgorm Collection represent a new and transformative milestone for Northern Ireland’s growing tourism industry. The significant investments planned for Roe Park Resort and Galgorm Castle Estate will greatly enhance Northern Ireland’s attractiveness to local, national, and international visitors, helping us drive tourism’s positive impact on the local and regional economy.

“By further developing these iconic destinations, Galgorm Collection is reinforcing Northern Ireland’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination, creating a lasting positive impact on our international brand and the guest experience.”

Christopher Brooke, Owner of Galgorm Castle, said:

“We are both delighted and saddened with today’s announcement - developing Galgorm Castle estate from a state of disrepair to a thriving development has been a life’s work. Securing its future was critical and we have now achieved this; it has been an honour and a privilege to have played a small part in Galgorm Castle’s rich history.

“We felt the time was right for the estate to further evolve and becoming part of a larger organisation will help achieve this. In particular, the Galgorm Collection team has the expertise to develop the Castle into something very special. We wish them well on the next phase of Galgorm Castle’s story.”

Speaking on behalf of the Roe Park Resort, Alan Wilton, Board Chairman said:

“Roe Park Resort holds a special place in our hearts, and we are extremely proud of the team and all that’s been achieved as we’ve grown and developed. The resort’s continued success is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team. Their commitment to providing top-class service and excellent hospitality is the reason that our guests return to the resort time and again.

“After almost 30 years at the helm, we believe now is the right time to hand over the reins to new ownership, ensuring the resort is poised for the future. This transition marks a significant milestone for Roe Park Resort, and we are confident that this new ownership will bring fresh vision and drive continued growth.

“Galgorm Collection has an outstanding reputation in the hospitality industry, and we are confident that the resort will go from strength to strength under its ownership. We extend our sincere gratitude to those involved in the resort’s success over the last 30 years and wish the new owners the very best of luck as they embark on this exciting new venture. We would also like to thank CBRE who acted for us on the sale.”

Through this significant investment, Galgorm Collection reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and enhancing Northern Ireland’s standing as a world-class destination for both local and international visitors.

With exciting plans set to unfold over the coming years, this transformational investment will contribute to the continued growth of Northern Ireland’s tourism industry, benefiting both visitors and local communities.

Galgorm is pleased to announce the Academy at Northern Ireland’s premier tournament venue is now powered by Toptracer Range and available to use by golfers of all abilities. 

Most golfers will be familiar with Toptracer from televised global golf coverage. Toptracer technology is used on PGA Tour and DP Tour World coverage to track the shots of the game’s best players. Viewers will have seen it in use when world number one Rory McIlroy won this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour.

The Galgorm golfing experience just got even better as it becomes one of only a handful of venues in Northern Ireland that has Toptracer technology. “Toptracer is transforming the everyday driving range experience, where guests of all ages and ability can play a variety of fun and skill-based games. They can compete against friends, see their shot trace, and receive instant data on interactive game screens in the dedicated bays.

“We are delighted to partner with Toptracer and for Galgorm to become the latest Toptracer Range in this part of the world,” explains Ross Oliver, Director of Golf at Galgorm. “Toptracer technology brings the range experience to a whole new level and it’s great that we can roll it out here at Galgorm to complement the other top-class facilities we have on site.

“This really is a facility for golfers of all ability, and for non-golfers who perhaps want to try the game but have never been sure how to get started. At Galgorm, anyone can use the Toptracer Range; it’s a great option for warming up before your game or your group golf day, beginners can hit their first shots, while elite players can work on their game and get the data and feedback they require.”

The new Toptracer Range can also be enjoyed socially where friends can get together to play their favourite virtual courses. Toptracer is a great experience for families to spend a few fun hours before grabbing a bite to eat at Castle Kitchen + Bar or enjoying the newest clubhouse offering in the Barn. Similarly, hotel guests at the resort can now enjoy a new leisure activity as part of their stay.

Toptracer is the market leader in range technology and has over 750 installations globally, including renowned venues such as the Home of Golf at St Andrews Links. It is also the ‘Official Range Technology’ of the PGA of America. Toptracer technology has transformed the range experience and now golfers in Northern Ireland have a new facility they can use at Galgorm. Bays at the Toptracer Range at Galgorm are currently available on a first come, first served basis.

Galgorm is already recognised as Northern Ireland’s premier tournament venue. It is home to the ISPS HANDA World Invitational that will be played from August 17-20, 2023 as a $3 million tri-sanctioned event between the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour

Galgorm is delighted to announce one of the world’s leading short game coaches Dave Pelz will set up his Scoring Game School at the Northern Ireland venue to serve as one of his main European coaching hubs.

Pelz is one of golf’s most well-known coaches who has dedicated a large part of his life to analysing the golf swing and paying particular attention to the short game. Through his Scoring Game School and team of dedicated coaches, he has helped thousands of golfers improve their game.

The American has worked with the very best in the game to complete beginners and every time believes he can improve a player’s short game. Pelz’s most recognisable student is Phil Mickelson and he worked with the lefthander as he won his six majors. Pelz says 11 of the professionals he has worked with over the years have won 18 majors between them.

“I can’t tell you how much we are looking forward to working with Galgorm, it really is very exciting,” said Pelz, who will offer one day clinics to three-day Scoring Game Schools at the Ballymena venue in 2023. 

“Galgorm has some of the best facilities in the country. It is a wonderful property and has so many great features that we can use for teaching The Scoring Game. The coaching team who visited Galgorm were very impressed with the entire setup. 

“We all know about the many tour events staged at Galgorm on the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and other tours. They have the wonderful Castle championship course, teaching academy plus the ‘wee course’, a six-hole par three layout that will be great for our teaching.”

The author of the highly acclaimed Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible and Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible added: “We have specialised our coaching over the years. We love the game; we are all golfers and our family has been involved in the game for almost 50 years. We focus on the short game, wedges and putting. My background is in research. I used to be a research scientist working with NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center.”     

In the early days, Pelz was a player with designs of making it on tour. He won a scholarship to Indiana University at the same time a certain Jack Nicklaus attended Ohio State University. 

“My record against Jack was zero and 22 in direct competitions. I simply couldn’t beat the guy - nobody could,” said Pelz, who majored in physics. “I wanted to play golf for a living, tried to make it on tour but wasn’t good enough. As an analytical scientist, I set about trying to figure out why I wasn’t good enough. From that moment it’s been a 50-year journey of research and coaching in golf.” 

As the only Pelz Scoring Game School in Northern Ireland, there will be at least two qualified coaches for the bespoke residential teaching schools and clinics at Galgorm. The Pelz philosophy is that up to 68 per cent of golf shots for golfers of all ability occur inside 125 yards and on the putting green, the area of the game he refers to as ‘The Scoring Game’.

Scoring Game Schools identify mechanical issues in any swing before fixing them. From there, coaches can start to fine-tune, work on timing, rhythm and provide golfers with the tools they need to improve their short game - and ultimately lower their scores. A lifetime of experience will now be available exclusively at Galgorm in 2023.

“We are delighted to be working Dave Pelz and his team to bring a world class coaching product here to Northern Ireland,” said Gary Henry, Galgorm Castle Managing Director. “Over the years we have built up a wonderful and wide-ranging golf product and it is entirely fitting that such a respected name as Dave Pelz and his Scoring Game School now have an Irish home here at Galgorm.    

“Golfers of all ability from Ireland, the UK and elsewhere in Europe will have the chance to tap into the short game experience and expertise of the Dave Pelz method. In conjunction with the Dave Pelz team, we will be running residential clinics and schools from May 2023 and key dates are now available to book online at pelzgolf.com.”     

Galgorm is recognised as Northern Ireland’s leading tournament venue, hosting 15 professional events in the last decade, including the 2020 Irish Open on the DP World Tour. Galgorm is also home to the $3 million ISPS HANDA World Invitational - a tri-sanctioned event between the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour – and the Northern Ireland Open.  

For more information on Galgorm, please visit

galgormcastle.com

Galgorm is delighted to announce a new long-term partnership with rising star Tom McKibbin, who will represent Northern Ireland’s internationally acclaimed Spa & Golf Resort as its new Touring Professional.

McKibbin has been making headlines for several years as a sensational amateur golfer, who has won prestigious tournaments around the world and represented Ireland from a young age. In April, the 18-year-old turned professional and made his professional debut at the Tenerife Open on the European Tour.

McKibbin will compete in several European Challenge Tour and full European Tour events for the remainder of the season. The Belfast golfer played out of Holywood Golf Club, the same club as Rory McIlroy and is now embarking on his own professional journey in the paid ranks.

“I am delighted to become one of the touring professionals for Ireland’s premier Spa & Golf destination. I have a long-standing relationship with the team, who have been extremely supportive of me during my amateur career so this partnership was a natural fit as I embark on my professional journey. The facilities are internationally renowned and it is an honour to be associated with a prestigious brand like Galgorm.” explained McKibbin.

The 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open was held at Galgorm and The Resort also boasts a luxurious hotel with a range of accommodation, several restaurants and the awarding-winning Thermal Spa Village.

“I have competed at Galgorm many times as an amateur in events like the Northern Ireland Open and the 2019 ISPS HANDA World Invitational. Having the right team and set-up is key and Galgorm is an important part of this for me.” said McKibbin.

McKibbin first came to prominence after winning prestigious titles at a young age. In 2015 he captured the World Junior Championship at Pinehurst in the US, a title also won by McIlroy when he was starting out. McKibbin recorded further wins in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club and the Junior Honda Classic at PGA National in the US.

Gary Henry, Managing Director Galgorm Castle, said: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome Tom to Galgorm as our Touring Professional. He is a player with fantastic calibre, as we have seen throughout his amateur career, and we believe he will make waves in the professional ranks and wish him all the best.

“We see the partnership as a fantastic opportunity for both our brands. Galgorm is the perfect place for Tom to call home and develop his game around his tour events. Wherever Tom competes around the world, there is a natural link back to home here in Northern Ireland and is the perfect opportunity to profile that Northern Ireland is indeed Made For Golf.”