This article is from page 6 of the 2008-03-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
DOONBEG Golf Club has recorded sales of luxury suites totalling €68.8 million, it emerged yesterday.
The latest accounts for the US- owned Doonbeg Golf Club show that an operating loss of €2.9 million was recorded.
This has resulted in an accumulat- ed loss of €18 million. The company has received a capital contribution of €66 million.
In a statement yesterday, the club Stated, “Our enthusiasm for the future of Doonbeg Golf Club is mirrored by the 65 individuals who have to date purchased suites totalling €68.8m at Doonbeg. Indicative of the demand for these suites, even in the current climate, has been the closing of three sales in the past 30 days.
“The €2.9m ‘loss’ as stated in the annual corporate accounts for 2006, reflects continued investment into the facilities, the future and our ex- oo aCeI Dene Rm
“During 2006, Doonbeg Golf Club employed over 240 staff in the high season, of which 120 are full-time personnel. With our first year of operations in 2007, however, these numbers increased marginally.”
The accounts show that the size of the golf club’s business has increased from €27 million in 2005 to €39 million in 2006, resulting in gross profit increasing from €5 million to €11 million.
The accounts also show that staff costs dramatically increased in 2006
when €4.5 million was paid out, compared to €1.8 million in 2005.
According to the club, “Golf activ- ity remains very strong, with over 20,000 rounds played in 2006 and a 15 per cent increase to almost 24,000 rounds in 2007.”
For 2007, operating revenues have increased over 30 per cent. Our in- vestment in the facilities and our commitment to the future has con- tinued strongly.
“Currently we are in the final plan- ning stages for a 14,000 sq.ft.con- ference and banqueting facility that upon completion – which is antici- pated for 2010 – will be a wonderful addition to the existing facilities and which will afford us the opportunity to take on the many largescale func-
tions such as weddings and large dinners about which we are continu- ously being contacted.”
The statement continues, “2006 was an extremely important year for Doonbeg Golf Club and its US com- pany, Kiawah Development Partners (K DP). May 2006 saw the successful opening of The Lodge, Doonbeg’s first 47 suites, the Longroom restau- rant, Darby’s pub, the Whitehorses Spa and the golf club member ar- Crh
The company points out that the overall investment in the project, including the club, resort and suite facilities, is approaching €150 mil- lion.