Mount Juliet to mark 30th anniversary with Nicklaus Anniversary Singles

Mount Juliet Estate

Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club will mark its 30th anniversary by hosting a limited field Nicklaus Anniversary Singles Competition for 100 amateurs on Jul 14 - ten days after it stages the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

While members of Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club can exclusively purchase a selection of commemorative merchandise featuring the Mount Juliet logo in gold to reflect the ‘Golden Bear’ moniker used by course designer Jack Nicklaus, Director of Golf Matt Sandercock is excited about the amateur event, which will offer once-in-a-lifetime prizes that will hold historical value for golf enthusiasts.

The resort is also enhancing its facilities, amenities, coaching and services under PGA professional Sean Cotter.

As well as a new custom fit experience with Callaway, Taylormade and Ping, state-of-the-art Trackman and SkyTrak simulators will be installed. 

“It’s going to be a great year, celebrating the 30-year legacy of golf at Mount Juliet Estate, and enjoying key events in the 2021 calendar as we continue to maintain our position as one of Ireland’s leading golf clubs,” Sandercock said.

“I’m looking forward to the development of the academy and of course the hosting of two important competitions. It will be my first time overseeing the hosting of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open here and I hope to set new standards in hosting a European Tour event at the Estate.”

Mark Dunne, General Manager of Mount Juliet Estate said: “It is a great honour for us to continue the golfing legacy at Mount Juliet Estate. In this the 30th year of golf at Mount Juliet, we are evolving and upgrading our academy, which will see the facility become one of the best in the country.

“This year also sees Mount Juliet host two big competitions, the Nicklaus Singles and the 2021 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get the course and Estate ready to welcome the golfers and spectators for what promises to be two memorable competitions.”

First opened in 1991, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design parkland, set on 242 acres of lush countryside, has plenty of experience hosting top-level competitions and has welcomed the world’s leading golfers and tournaments.

In 1993, 1994 and 1995, Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club provided the backdrop for Ireland’s national open, won by Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, and Sam Torrance, respectively. 

Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf came to Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club in 1997. This was a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by Fred Couples. The American Express World Golf Championships (WGC) were held at Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club in 2002 returning in 2004. Tiger Woods was the 2002 winner, beating Retief Goosen – who shares the Mount Juliet course record with Sergio Garcia – by one stroke, while Ernie Els won the 2004 edition, beating European Tour legend Thomas Bjørn by one shot.

In addition to the 30th Anniversary Celebratory Nicklaus Singles Competition, 2021 will see the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open return to Mount Juliet Estate. Extensive work has been undertaken by the Mount Juliet Estate Golf Club greenkeepers led by Martin Lehane, to prepare the course for high-level competition. 

“Mount Juliet Estate golf course is a great course to work on,” Lehane said. “The naturally beautiful surroundings have been carefully and cleverly blended into the Jack Nicklaus Signature course design. We have extensive experience preparing and conditioning the Mount Juliet course for international tournaments and working with the team here to prepare for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has been a continuing pleasure.”

Mount Juliet Estate is introducing new corporate partnerships this year, which will offer holders the benefits of enjoying a championship golf course and state of the art golf academy as well the luxury and enjoyment the heritage Mount Juliet Estate offers. Steeped in 250 years of history, with Michelin starred dining, a health and leisure club, as well as an internationally recognised equestrian school, all set on 500 acres of beautiful countryside.