The long wait is finally over. During the winter months since October last year through to the spring this year work continued, thanks to significant funding from Sports NI, towards the creation of a Practice Academy that is unrivalled across North Down. The official opening took place on Wednesday 30th June with Norman Drew cutting the tape and his son Gordon, our own Club Professional, hitting the first shot.

(L to R) Danny O'Conor (Sport NI), Maureen Devlin (Lady President), Jeff Aiken (Club Captain),
Lynda Lister (Lady Captain), Norman Drew and Tom McNulty (Club President).

It is specifically designed to develop the short game of players of all ages and handicaps, but is also ideal for introducing and developing newcomers to the sport.

The Par-3 course is designed to be played as 6 holes, 9 holes or 18 holes. first 6 holes on the outfield of the course can also be used as a short range when teeing from the North or South Tees. The North Tee also uniquely boasts 5 artificial tees, ideal for use of the facility in winter.

Juvenile Mark Rea was among the first to try the new facilities.

The Practice Academy was made possible by significant funding of over £100,000 from Sport NI through the Places for Sport Programme. Donaghadee is the first golf club to receive such funding for development from Sport NI.