Ringdufferin Golf Club

More Press » The Belfast Telegraph 30.03.2005

Ringdufferin is more than just a golf course

Down Recorder - Wednesday, 2nd February, 2005

Nestling on the picturesque shores of Strangford lough, Ringdufferin Golf Club has fast carved out a reputation for excellence since it opened in 1993.

Owner, Jim Lindsay, has invested heavily in the complex and it now boasts a range of first class facilities which are second to none.

The spectacularly beautiful panoramic views from a number of points around the perfectly manicured 18-hole course make the local club on of the most popular in the Province.

Catering for the needs of its members and others who visit the complex has always been Mr. Lindsay's priority.

And he is delighted with the latest acquisition which will considerably add to the facilities at the course which touches the shores of the internationally acclaimed waterway.

A new fitness suite has been added to the sprawling complex which is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and also boasts that 18-hole course, tennis courts and a magnificent bar and restaurant.

There is also a major function room which can be used for conferences or corporate events. 

Since Ringdufferin opened for business, Mr. Lindsay has continued to plough money into the complex and has developed it into one of the most impressive facilities in Northern Ireland.

Membership is thriving and the course owner is predicting a bright future for the facility which is just 12 years old.

Such has been the success of the facility on the outskirts of Killyleagh that it is to be renamed Ringdufferin Country Club in the near future.

"The provision of a new fitness suite is just the latest in a line of new developments at Ringdufferin," Mr. Lindsay continued.

Sauna

"The new facility will feature a sauna and steam shower and will be manned by dedicated fitness instructors.  The investment will also provide a number of new jobs and considerably enhance the current range of facilities."

Mr. Lindsay confirmed plans are also in the pipeline to provide flood lighting at the complex's two synthetic tennis courts.

"The entire car park has been resurfaced and we are also hoping to commence work on a series of improvements at various points around the golf course later this year."

Mr. Lindsay said he hopes to offer dual membership which would allow current golf club members the opportunity to use the new fitness suite.

"The latest investment is all part of a rolling programmes at Ringdufferin to upgrade its facilities.  It certainly is an exciting time for everyone associated with the complex," he said.

Mr. Lindsay, who provided a lot of the finance for his latest development, also received invaluable support from the Northern Ireland Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity and is grateful for all the help and support he received from staff at the Newry office of the Rural Development Programme.

He added: "The provision of the new fitness suite is the latest development at Ringdufferin which I hope will not only be widely used, but will encourage more people to visit the facility to sample what it has to offer."