Trump confirms Doonbeg buy - rebranded "Trump International Golf Links, Ireland"
Doonbeg will be renamed "Trump International Golf Links, Ireland"
Donald Donald Trump has confirmed his purchase of Doonbeg Golf Club in Co Clare - but he faces a repair bill of over €1 million following recent storm damage.
Donald Trump at Doral last year, when he unveiled his plans for the revamping of the Blue Monster. The Miami design has met with positive reviews. But what plans are afoot for Doonbeg? Picture Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ie
“I am thrilled to announce that we have purchased yet another incredible golf resort.
“From Trump National Doral, Miami to Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, known as ‘the greatest golf course in the world,’ we only have the best.
"Doonbeg is an already terrific property that we will make even better - it will soon be an unparalleled resort destination with the highest standards of luxury,” said Mr Trump today.
Doonbeg Golf Club will be renamed Trump International Golf Links, Ireland, and is spread over 400-acres fronting for 2 ½ miles on the Atlantic Ocean and features an 18-hole championship golf links course."
The press release on "Trump International Golf Links - Ireland" features the same logo and coats of arms used at Trump International - Scotland.
What Trump made of the erosion damage caused by the massive storms that hit Doonbeg in early January and again recently, remains to be seen.
Considering he's spent a reported €15 million ($20.5m) on the acquisition he can't have been too worried about reports that, among other damage, the back tee at the 18th has been lost along with 10-15% of the 18th fairway.
According to a report in the Clare Champion, "Monday's meeting of Clare County Council revealed €954,447.90 worth of damage was caused at Doonbeg Golf Resort following the January storms. However, that figure does not include an estimate for the damage arising from Storm Brigid."
Preservation orders on the famous "grey dunes" and moves to protect of the famous Vertigo Angustior snail held up construction of the golf course for several years.
A photo of recent storm damage at Doonbeg. Via @FinbarKeating
According to an Irish Independent report, reproduced by course designer Greg Norman on his website, the snails are now thriving.
Waiting to see if Doonbeg thrives under Trump is another question.
According to The Irish Examiner, who broke the story via Tony Leen on Monday, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump will be arriving in Ireland tomorrow to announce further details.
As for the Trump logo and coat of arms, readers familiar with Trump's controversial Scottish project may be uneasy at the news that the same logo was used in a press release announcing details to the Doonbeg purchase.
He had to battle get the coat of arms in Scotland in the first place.
"Sarah Malone, executive vice-president of Trump International- Scotland, said a lot of thought had gone into creating the emblem, which will officially represent the Scottish brand.
“The coat of arms brings together visual elements that signify different aspects of the Trump family heritage and importance of this project,” she said.
“The Lion Rampant makes reference to Scotland and the stars to America.
“Three chevronels are used to denote the sky, sand dunes and sea- the essential components of the site- and the double-sided eagle represents the dual nature and nationality of Trump’s heritage.
“The eagle clutches golf balls making reference to the great name of golf, and the moto “Numquam Concedere’ is Latin for Never Give Up-Trump’s philosophy.”
