Headfort is to join the country's elite group of clubs with 36 holes. And in building a second course in a naturally beautiful setting, they are presenting designer Christy O'Connor Jnr with the challenge of matching the quality of Mount Juliet and The K Club.

The expansion has become possible through the recent purchase of 240 acres of adjoing land in the old Headfort Estate. It is a combination of rolling parkland and mature woodland and forest, straddling the River Blackwater and its two beautifully-wooded islands.

Situated on the Dublin side of Kells, Co Meath, Headfort has always been a popular venue for the quality of its existing parkland stretch. It gained international recognition in 1980 when Des Smyth won the Irish Dunlop Tournament. Founded in 1928, Headfort grew from nine holes and the club went on to purchase the golf-course land from the Headfort Estate in 1987. Next stage in an ongoing development was the opening in 1994 of a new clubhouse which offers a breathtaking, pastoral view from the lounge and restaurant.

The new course will cost in the region of £2.1 million and is expected to be ready for play in the year 2000. O'Connor's design brings water into play at almost half of the holes and an additional feature will be holes played through a tunnel of trees.

Interestingly, the Blackwater's islands are man-made, having been dug out my hand during the early years of the last century.

In view of the impending expansion of facilities, Headfort are inviting applications for membership. Phase one, involving the acceptance of 150 members is already filled and details of phase two may be had from the club secretary.