A passage to Ireland: Indian middle class coaxed to play golf here

THE GROWING Indian middle-class is being targeted in a campaign to bring more of the country’s golfers to Ireland.

The victory of Arjun Atwal on the USA PGA circuit last weekend has focused attention on a market that is potentially one of the biggest in the world.

India has only half the number of golf courses that Ireland has despite the size of the country and a middle class which is some 300 million strong.

Tourism Ireland is one of the organisers of a Pro Am in November which, it is hoped, will attract more Indian golfers to Ireland.

Marty Carr, the chief executive of the golfing tourism company Carr Golfing, said that between 500 and 1,000 Indian golfers are expected to visit Ireland this year but that number could rise to 10,000 within five years.

Several parties of Indian golfers are due to stay in Dromoland Castle in September.

“They are very high maintenance customers and demand the highest levels of service,” Mr Carr said, “but we are confident that when they come here, they will get the message out.”

He said Ireland’s wet and cool climate was an advantage as the Indian climate makes golfing a difficult at certain times of the year.