GOLFER Nick Faldo - rebuffed when he tried to lease a Donegal golf club - is reported to be planning to develop a golf course in Co Mayo.
Faldo is said to be a member of a consortium which has purchased Bartragh island at the mouth of the River Moy about six miles from Ballina.
It is understood that an exclusive 18 hole golf course and leisure centre will be built on the island.
The development has been welcomed by local business interests.
A bid by Faldo to lease Ballyliffin Golf Club in Co Donegal was rejected overwhelmingly by the members in January. Faldo had offered to clear the club overdraft of £600,000, build a new club house and upgrade the 36 hole facility in return for a 33 year lease. But members said the club was part of their heritage and not for sale.
A Ballina auctioneer, Mr Garrett Loftus, confirmed yesterday that the 367 acre Bartragh island had been sold in trust to a Dublin based firm of solicitors for a price in the region of £300,000.
The island was advertised for sale by public tender last July.