Galgorm Castle Times ezine Issue I

Issue 1 F February 2016

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New

Dawn

Galgorm ready for busy 2016 season

Captains’ Messages F Gary Henry Q&A F Meet the PGA Team F Open Fixtures fun golf area

EAGLE BAR & GRILL

michael hoey

ivory PAVILION

New six-hole par three course and Himalayas Putting Green for all the family

Popular clubhouse restaurant under new management

Northern Ireland Open Ambassador on his goals for the year

Exciting new wedding and events venue at Galgorm Castle.

Open 2016

THE

COURTYARD BUSINESS PARK

Limited Number of Business Units still available

“There can hardly be a more inspiring location" Enquiries: Galgorm Castle Galgorm, Ballymena, BT42 1HL T: 028 25 646161 - E: office@galgormcastle.com W: www.galgormcastle.com/the-courtyard/ Galgorm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT42 1HL

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CONTENTS Welcome

4 Lady Captain Noreen Ritchie 5 Captain Keith Dinsmore Fun Golf Area 6

Meet the Galgorm PGA Team

7 Open Fixtures 2016

The Courtyard Business Park Creative Gardens

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Galgorm Times

W

elcome to the brand new Galgorm Times where we bring you news, views and insights from around the estate in this first issue. In an action-packed e-zine, Galgorm Castle’s Lady Captain and Captain reflect on their year in office, while we bring you right up to date with the many ongoing projects, both on and off the course.

Gary Henry, Galgorm Castle Managing Director, provides an overview of Galgorm in a ‘Behind the Scenes’ Q&A session and we take a closer look at the brand new Ivory Pavilion wedding venue and the exciting changes taking place at the Eagle Bar & Grill.

On the golf front, there’s plenty to keep us busy with the Fun Golf Area, NI Open and more, plus Galgorm Touring Pro Michael Hoey kindly took time to give his thoughts on the season ahead. We hope you enjoy your first issue of the Galgorm Times.

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Eagle Bar & Grill

Behind the Scenes Q&A with Gary Henry

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14

I n Focus – The Ivory Pavilion at Galgorm Castle

On Location - Lights, Camera, Action

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M ichael Hoey speaks exclusively to Galgorm Times

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Contact

credits Photographs Kevin Markham www.theirishgolfblog.com Designed by Ed Moynihan www.emcreative.ie Produced by Paul Gallagher www.pgprcreative.com

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Lady Captain’s Message

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Noreen Ritchie

year in the life of the Lady Captain is impossible to squeeze into a few paragraphs but we’ll give it a try! Following the AGM last March, the first few months were a continuous sequence of travelling to club matches, supporting our teams and meeting new people along the way. We clocked a lot of miles, walked many courses and even managed to pass through Letterkenny four times in three weeks. A lot of fun was had along the way.

I also recall a few great days in Rosapenna where trolleys, balls and even ladies, were blown over in high winds. The highlight for me was undoubtedly Lady Captain’s Day. Thankfully the sun shone and the camaraderie and flood of good wishes from members and visitors was overwhelming. A day I’ll never forget.

Behind the scenes committee meetings and consultations with the ILGU continued to keep us all busy as we encouraged ladies to play in weekly competitions and represent teams. We were proactive in supporting the ‘Introduction to Golf Programme’ for new members and encouraging Junior members.

The Northern Ireland Open was an obvious highlight of the season, while we also managed to squeeze in an excellent fundraising auction at Galgorm Manor for our ladies’ funds. The season culminated with the summer prize giving and the start of the winter league.

I must give huge thanks to an extremely hard working committee and a super-efficient Honorary Secretary, Carol Reid, who all supported me 100 per cent.

Special mention also to Gary Henry, Managing Director Galgorm Estate, Phil Collins, Head PGA Professional, and all their team who were with me all the way; it felt like one big family working together.

The same goes for all the team at the Eagle Bar & Grill for their hard work, great food and service.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as Lady Captain and it has been a great honour. We have a wonderful and diverse group of members and I thank them all for their support through the year.

Noreen Ritchie Lady Captain, Galgorm Castle Golf Club

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Captain’s Message

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Keith Dinsmore

t was a great honour to be Captain of Galgorm Castle Golf Club. I have had a fantastic year supporting the teams in their various competitions and meeting captains and players from different golf clubs. Here are a few highlights of my year as captain.

The Northern Ireland Open was held last August and was another great success and, apart from the Pro-Am, the weather was very kind to us.

The Tour personnel were delighted with the entire event and the manner in which it was organised. The players were particularly impressed with the course, the food village and the players’ lounge. I did my stint as official starter and many of the tour pros told me it was one of the best golf courses they have played, with the greens some of the best they played on all season. High praise indeed and special thanks must go to Gary Henry and course manager David Snoddy and their respective teams for presenting the course in such great condition.

Captain’s Day was held on June 20th and thankfully the weather was also kind that day. It was a great

success and I hope all the members enjoyed the day as much as I did. I had breakfast with the greenkeepers before spending time wishing the players every success at the first tee.

I later moved around the course on a buggy checking on progress – and offering a wee nip of whiskey for anyone wanting a little help on their way. Past Captain Neil Fitzsimmons was a worthy winner with an excellent 44 points.

In July I played in the Max Hadden Trophy at Royal Belfast, a competition for all the captains in Ulster to get together and play for the famous trophy. I will leave it to Ian (Henry) to win this year for I only managed 28 points, despite the excellent condition of the course.

Finally, I would like to wish Ian every success in his year as Captain. I know he will do an excellent job and will represent Galgorm Castle Golf Club to the best of his ability.

Keith Dinsmore Captain, Galgorm Castle Golf Club

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FUN GOLF AREA

Fun for all the Family Galgorm Castle has become a golfing Centre of Excellence and with the brand new Fun Golf Area set to open in 2016 it is the perfect place to introduce family members to the game

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ometimes standing on that first tee under the glare of onlookers can be the most nerve-wracking place of all for the novice golfer. But fear not for the brand new Fun Golf Area at Galgorm Castle provides golfers of all abilities the chance to enjoy the game away from the spotlight and without pressure.

The Fun Golf Area is a stunning addition to the Galgorm offering where all members of the family, young and old, can enjoy playing on the six-hole parthree short course. It’s the perfect layout to introduce juniors to golf, or perhaps parents and grandparents want to try the game with their children for the first time.

The complex also houses the Himalayas putting

green, a scaled replica of the famous St Andrews attraction and is sure to be a hit with golfers whatever their level.

“This is very much geared towards families and is a great way to introduce kids, or adults, to golf,” explained Gary Henry, Managing Director Galgorm Castle. “The Fun Golf Area will also be an excellent practice area for the elite and casual player or a place to warm up before your round.”

The Fun Golf Area opens later this year and will be the ideal place for beginners to enjoy the game. For more information, or to book a lesson, please contact the Galgorm Pro Shop on 028 2564 6161 or email golf@galgormcastle.com.

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PGA TEAM AT GALGORM

Support from the Professionals

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algorm Castle Head professional Phil Collins and his PGA team have a wealth of experience when it comes to advising on all things golf; from lessons to equipment and everything else in between, they have you covered.

Phil, former PGA of Ireland captain, is in his 16th year at Galgorm and has witnessed much change as the golf club and championship parkland have evolved into one of the finest venues in the country.

The additional facilities such as the driving range adjacent

to the Pro Shop or short game area are ideal places to work on your game or book lessons with Phil, Ross (Oliver) or Alistair (McDiarmid).

The PGA team at Galgorm will once again be providing a series of FREE members’ clinics at the start of the new season from April. Speak to the team at the Pro Shop for more details.

When members renew their subscription they also receive a 50% OFF voucher for a oneto-one lesson as part of their Members’ Rewards Booklet.

This combined with a fully stocked Pro Shop, custom fitting and club repairs makes the PGA team at Galgorm an essential part of your golfing season.

Galgorm Castle PGA Team Name: Position: Age: Turned Pro: Joined Galgorm Castle: Golfing Hero:

Phil Collins Head PGA Professional 41 1997 (2) 2000 Pádraig Harrington

Name: Position: Age: Turned Pro: Joined Galgorm Castle: Golfing Hero:

Ross Oliver Assistant PGA Professional 28 2010 (+1) 2013 Tiger Woods

Name: Alistair McDiarmid Position: Teaching PGA Professional Age: 47 Turned Pro: 1995 (1) Joined Galgorm Castle: 1997 Golfing Hero: Seve Ballesteros

Open Fixtures 2016

MARCH Sunday 13th Friday 18th Monday 28th Tuesday 29th

Open Day St Patrick’s Day Open Easter Open Day Easter Open Day

APRIL Wednesday 13th

Open Day

MAY Monday 2nd Monday 30th

Open Day Open Day

JUNE Wednesday 15th Friday 17th Saturday 25th

Open Day Lady Captain’s Day Captain’s Day

JULY Thursday 7th Sunday 10th Thursday 28th– Sunday 31st

Ladies Open Day (TBC) Summer Open Day Northern Ireland Open

AUGUST Thursday 11th Monday 29th

Ladies Open Day (TBC) Open Day

SEPTEMBER Wednesday 14th

Open Day

OCTOBER Wednesday 12th

Open Day

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The Courtyard Business Park – Galgorm Castle THE

COURTYARD BUSINESS PARK

Galgorm Means Business The Courtyard Business Park at Galgorm Castle is one of the most desirable locations for setting up in business and although units are almost at capacity there are still several available

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algorm Castle is a truly unique place to do business where a wonderful setting within the grounds of the estate makes going to work at the state-of-the-art Courtyard Business Park an easy commute.

Galgorm enjoys a strategic and central location within the province, just one-mile south of Ballymena city centre and 25-minutes from Belfast, while both international airports and key ferry terminals are all in close proximity.

When Phase One of the Business Courtyard opened it quickly enjoyed full occupancy and the same trend is occurring after Phase Two opened in 2015 as a range of local and international companies of varying sizes were attracted to Galgorm.

One of the first tenants was MMI Engineering. “As an American-owned company, with international clients in the oil and gas and renewable energy industries, MMI placed considerable emphasis on

finding the right location for our Northern Ireland offices,” explained Michael Hassan, Principal Consultant, MMI Engineering (Ireland).

Today businesses vary from accountants Potter Finnegan to Galgorm Dental, The Velvet Rose or Castle Therapies, who are based at the Gate Lodge. Castle Therapies specialise in sports injury and massage treatment, which could make it the perfect stop-off for golfing visitors after a round. The Velvet Rose also provides massage treatments, brow and nail bars and tanning booths.

With the brand new Ivory Pavilion wedding venue due to open at Galgorm this spring there are also a number of businesses on site to complement the wedding market. Couples have the option of using Castle Couture (Wedding dresses), Special Occasions (Wedding dress alterations) or the likes of Ewan Harkness Photography and Perfect Day Wedding Cars for their Big Day.

GREEN FINGERS CREATIVE GARDENS

Creative Gardens is another hugely popular attraction at Galgorm, located in the shadow of the estate’s Jacobean castle. Visitors travel from far and wide to spend time at Creative Gardens, who specialise in all year round planting for experienced gardeners and those new to all things flora and fauna. Enjoy down time at the Creative Gardens Coffee Shop where great coffee, fresh baking and home cooking awaits. Take time to sample the range of garden accessories, giftware and more.

Creative Gardens Opening Hours Garden Centre Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm, Sun 12.30pm-5.30pm (Thur/Fri late opening to 9.30pm commences March 31st, 2016) Café Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm, Sun 12.30pm-5pm T: 028 25689290 W: www.creativegardens.com

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dining

Eagle Bar & Grill Under New Management

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reat things are happening at the Eagle Bar & Grill where Katrina Fox and Gareth Montgomery have come on board as the restaurant’s new partners and will soon be introducing brand new menus.

Katrina and Gareth already run the popular Patton’s Bar and Restaurant in Cloughmills and bring a wealth of experience to the ‘The Eagle’ which remains part of the Mourne Seafood chain.

The restaurant launch night takes place on Saturday, February 27th with a new lunch menu served from 12-6pm before the new evening and wine menus become available from 6pm with James Bradley providing live music (10-midnight).

Galgorm members can avail of priority booking for the launch night before

bookings are opened to the public.

“Our vision for the Eagle Bar & Grill is to offer all our customers exceptional food and service in a calm and relaxing environment

where everyone is welcome,” said the new partners.

Eagle Bar & Grill ‘Exceeding Expectations’

NEW MENUS COMING SOON SERVING THE BEST OF FRESH, LOCAL PRODUCE.

LUNCHES & EVENING MEALS THE EAGLE AT GALGORM

AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK

Galgorm Castle, Galgorm Ballymena BT42 1HL

Tel: 02825630173

www.galgormcastle.com/eagle-bar-grill

Ireland Parkland Course Of The Year 2014

Home of the Northern Ireland Open G o l f i n g

at

G a l g o r m

For special offers and packages visit our website at

www.galgormcastle.com Tel:

+44 (028) 2564 6161

Email: golf@galgormcastle.com

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BEHIND THE SCENES

GARY HENRY Managing Director Galgorm Castle

Gary in action on the fairways

Gary Henry is a golfer at heart but with so many exciting new projects across the estate, not to mention the annual Northern Ireland Open, sometimes there are not enough hours in the day. Thankfully, the category one golfer found time to take a few questions from the new Galgorm Times

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he difficulty is knowing where to start when focusing on such a progressive entity that is Galgorm Castle. It would be easy to dive straight in and discuss the internationally acclaimed NI Open which returns to Ballymena every year. This could lead onto the new Fun Golf Area and Himalayas Putting Green, the best of facilities for all the family.

Away from the fairways we could highlight the brand new Ivory Pavilion, a stunning wedding and events facility that will showcase the wonderful Galgorm Castle. Did we mention the new management team set to bring great things to the popular Eagle Bar & Grill Restaurant or the state-of-the-art

Business Courtyard, the garden centre or the members’ benefits and rewards schemes?

Perhaps it’s best to take it one question at a time…

Galgorm Times: Let’s start with the golf course, what upgrade work has been carried out?

Gary Henry: We’ve redeveloped the second hole with two new bunkers along the fairway and cut down a number of trees. We also extended and redesigned the championship tee and moved it to the back and right to make the tee shot more challenging. It’s a great strategic change and adds some risk and reward if looking to drive the green.

We also extended the eighth tee

to create more playing surfaces, both for members and tournaments. The course is in the process of being remeasured and will increase to well over 7,000-yards. The course guide will be updated and redrawn too.

GT: Sounds busy, how is the course holding up after a bad winter?

GH: All the greens received a Deep Air Injection programme by David Snoddy, Galgorm Castle Course Manager, and his team. It’s a new technique that blows air two feet under the ground to improve the drainage structure below the greens.

Special equipment and experts were brought in to carry this out.

We’re also reinforcing the river

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bank behind the 14th green. Work started last year and will continue in 2016. Up until the harsh winter we carried out a major tree-thinning project which is ongoing. Specific areas for thinning are to the left of the third and right of the 18th.

Many of the paths around the course have also been upgraded.

Other course projects are scheduled but have been curtailed by the weather as we can’t risk heavy machinery on the course. We achieved a lot by the end of 2015 and will continue upgrade work in 2016.

The inner nine proved to be popular and has allowed members to play through the winter. It’s in all our interest to keep the course open as much as possible. The last three months have been really poor for playing golf and the maintenance of the course, but hopefully spring is not far away.

GT: What can you tell us about membership and benefits at Galgorm?

GH: We believe our members enjoy great benefits and opportunities they wouldn’t necessarily get elsewhere.

We continue to create more rewards and incentives all the time and look forward to announcing new initiatives in the coming weeks.

GT: What benefits are already in place?

GH: The brand new Fun Golf Area is due to open in spring and will be an excellent way for members and visitors to get all the family involved in golf. It’s an exciting addition to the Galgorm offering, suitable for all ages, young and old, and something you simply don’t get with other memberships.

Our members get to play one of Northern Ireland’s best championship courses, consistently

ranked as one of the top parklands in the country. We continue to reinvest and have aspirations of becoming the number one parkland in Northern Ireland.

Galgorm has one of only a handful of driving ranges in the province; this and the short game area provide excellent facilities to practice and get lessons from Head Professional Phil Collins and the PGA team. It’s worth remembering that members enjoy 30 per cent discount to use the range and 10 per cent discount in the clubhouse bar and restaurant.

GT: Speaking of which, what’s happening there?

GH: The Eagle Bar & Grill Restaurant at the clubhouse is part of the Mourne Seafood chain and is a quality standalone restaurant and certainly one of the best dining experiences for any golf club in

Ireland. The new team of Katrina Fox and Gareth Montgomery are now partners in the Eagle, Bar & Grill and bring with them local knowledge and exciting new ideas.

They already run the popular Patton’s Bar and Restaurant in Cloughmills.

We’re looking to serve something that suits every taste and ensure our members and visitors keep supporting the restaurant. They will introduce new menus from February 27th, offering a quality range, from good pub grub and specialities to other creative dishes for the more discerning diner, whilst hitting the right price points for our members.

It’s important to provide for our members and also welcome visitors.

GT: Galgorm has always been a welcoming venue, what’s the secret?

GH: I can’t emphasise enough how

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GT: Sounds like a great incentive, what are the main challenges you face?

GH: It’s not very exciting, but the differential in a VAT bill between a private member club and a proprietary club like ourselves is huge. Our members and the overall business have to pay VAT on fees whereas member clubs don’t. It’s an ongoing issue.

GT: We have to ask you about the NI Open, how’s it going?

GH: Plans are well underway for this year’s event so pencil the last week in July into your diary. The tournament simply wouldn’t be possible without all the volunteers and support we get from our members. We look forward to announcing further details in the

“Our members get to play one of Northern Ireland’s best championship courses, consistently ranked as one of the TOP parklands in the country” GT: Not a level playing field?

friendly a club Galgorm Castle is.

We have members who have been with us from the start and new members are always made to feel welcome the moment they come through the door. An inclusive membership is hugely important, we are fortunate to have a vibrant and friendly club.

GT: Is the membership open just now?

GH: Membership is open and we are finalising new details, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

We already operate an innovative incentive scheme that rewards existing members who introduce new members. We believe it’s important to reward existing members and their loyalty where they can enjoy a cash benefit up to £325 if they introduce a new member.

GH: Added to that our rates this year have just gone up 61 per cent for the golf club side of the business. This has been the case for much of the leisure and tourism sector and key locations in Northern Ireland. It’s another exceptional challenge for us, especially when we are continually trying to invest across the estate. We are fortunate to have other strands and sources of revenue to help subsidise the shortfall and challenges on the golf side of the business.

GT: On a positive, did we hear Galgorm is now doing weddings too?

GH: That’s right. The exciting new Ivory Pavilion marquee is being constructed on the grounds of the castle. This and the ground floor of the Jacobean castle will become exciting new event space, perfect for weddings, large corporate events, exhibitions or a family event.

Members will benefit greatly from this – especially if looking for a stunning new wedding venue - and details will be announced in the new Members’ Reward Booklet.

coming weeks as we help showcase all that is great about golf in Northern Ireland and Galgorm.

GT: Any stars of the future to look out for?

GH: This is a bold statement but given our strength in depth at junior level, I predict we could win a Senior Cup within 10 years. It’s great to see such a strong nucleus of very talented juniors who are working very hard. Many of this current crop have been coached by our own PGA team at Galgorm and several are on the GUI panels.

We wish them all well for the seasons ahead.

GT: And finally, we can’t go without asking about your wish list for 2016?

GH: I would like to stop individuals who practice on the golf course and hit numerous golf balls from the same place. It creates collections of divots and jeopardises the experience and enjoyment for other members. The same goes for pitch marks. It’s such an easy fix and only takes a matter of seconds.

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In Focus – The Ivory Pavilion at Galgorm Castle

The Ivory Pavilion

Fairytale Venue The Ivory Pavilion is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting new wedding and events venues where stylish elegance fuses with the iconic surrounds of the Jacobean Galgorm Castle

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he Ivory Pavilion at Galgorm Castle is a brand new wedding venue of unique distinction, situated in the beautifully scenic grounds of Galgorm Castle which dates back to 1618. Nestled within the castle’s delightful walled garden and just 40-minutes from Belfast, it’s a fabulous venue and a magnificent setting for weddings, events and corporate functions.

Weddings Couples enjoy exclusive use of the 17th century Jacobean Castle and state-of-the-art Ivory Pavilion.

“We offer a bespoke service from top suppliers, who are all on-site; Photographer, Beautician, Wedding Dress Boutique, Wedding Car Hire & even Cosmetic Dentistry,” explains Laura Armstrong, Marketing and Events Manager at the Ivory Pavilion.

The Ivory Pavilion opens in spring 2016 with the first event booked for May. Refurbishment of the castle is near completion and The Ivory Pavilion will be in position from March. Exciting times at Galgorm!

Laura Armstrong, Ivory Pavilion Marketing and Events Manager Laura has over 10-years management and events experience and is the main contact for all wedding and events enquiries.

Contact Laura on: T: 07468 493 644 E: laura@theivorypavilion.com W: www.theivorypavilion.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theivorypavilion/ Members’ Offer Galgorm Castle members and members’ children who book a wedding or event at The Ivory Pavilion will enjoy a complimentary arrival drinks reception within the castle. (Please quote: Galgorm e-zine2016). “Your Castle Your Day”

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“We provide five unforgettable ceremony options and surroundings to say ‘I do’. Couples can choose the 17th century chapel, outside in the walled garden or perhaps you prefer the castle forecourt or the grandeur of our Ivory

ample, there are no set menus, instead wedding parties can avail of dedicated caterers, Jane’s Kitchen, to create a unique “Personal Food Experience” for your wedding meal.

“This unique venue has the flexibility and hospitality expertise to exceed customer expectations at every turn”

The Ivory Pavilion is tailor made to host award ceremonies, Christmas functions, conferences or exhibitions.

This unique venue has the flexibility, accessibility and hospitality expertise to exceed customer expectations at every turn.

With a capacity of 250 for dinner, guests are guaranteed a genuine wow factor when they experience the dedicated banqueting space, surrounded by manicured lawns within Galgorm Castle’s historic walled garden. And few venues can exclusively provide a 17th century castle as the backdrop.

Pavilion or maybe the castle’s drawing or dining room. The choice is yours.”

Guests can expect refreshing and attentive customer service as the team bring enthusiasm and passion to your big day. The Ivory Pavilion is not a standard venue; it is truly unique in terms of product and service. For ex-

Events

THE

IVORY PAV I L I O N at Galgorm Castle

Opening Spring 2016 for wedding and corporate events

Your Castle, Your Day www.theivorypavilion.com

Enquiries 07468 493 644

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Filming for The Frankenstein Chronicles at Galgorm Castle RIGHT: Click to see trailer

GalgormCastle.com

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ON LOCATION: GALGORM CASTLE

Lights, Camera, Action

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algorm Castle might need little introduction in golfing circles but in recent times the Ballymena venue has been lending itself as a highly sought after location for big and silver screen productions.

In 2015 The Frankenstein Chronicles were filmed on site and took full advantage of the spectacular Jacobean Galgorm Castle, which dates back to 1607 when King James I granted the Ballymena Estate to Rory Og MacQuillan. The Frankenstein Chronicles aired last November and December on ITV Encore.

Morgan is an American sci-fi thriller directed by Luke Scott, son of actor Ridley Scott who is also a producer on Morgan, and part of the filming took place at Galgorm Castle from May 2015. The movie, starring Kate Mara (Netflix’s House of Cards) and Toby Jones (Dad’s Army), is due to be released this year.

Film Productions at Galgorm Castle > The Frankenstein Chronicles (Nov/Dec 2015, ITV Encore) > Morgan (Directed by Luke Scott, starring Kate Mara/Toby Jones. Release date 2016)

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MICHAEL HOEY INTERVIEW

Michael after winning the Russian Open in 2013

Galgorm Castle’s Touring Pro and NI Open Tournament Ambassador Michael Hoey talks exclusively to the Galgorm Times about his new role with the European Tour and his goals for the season.

By Paul Gallagher

M

ichael Hoey is his own man, he’s become ever comfortable in his own skin and is a self-confessed “golf nut” which, put another way, means golf is his life and he is a wonderfully keen student of the game.

It would be easy for Hoey to slip under the radar when considering Northern Ireland’s three Major champions, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and current Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke. But this would do a disservice to the fivetime European Tour winner (plus three Challenge Tour wins), who

New Season

NEW GOALS

has always known how to get the job done when the opportunity arises.

Not all players grasp the nettle in the heat of battle come a Sunday afternoon of tournament golf, but Hoey’s aggressive approach - sometimes to his detriment - ensures he always “gives it a go”.

This season he is searching for greater consistency and better wedge control to help achieve his primary goal of making it into the top 30 in the Race to Dubai. Hoey has had a productive winter, calling once more on the expertise of coaches and friends Johnny Foster and Justin

Parsons to help fine-tune his game.

“With Justin, I’m trying to better understand the pattern of my swing.

I believe all through your golf career, you are working against your swing, so one of the keys is to identify my own patterns and tendencies,” explained Hoey, who had arrived in South Africa when we spoke after a coaching pit-stop in Dubai to work with Parsons, a Belfast native who is Director of Instruction at the Butch Harmon School of Golf in the Emirates.

“If you can learn patterns then you can help yourself when on the road

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Michael during the NI Open

competing. I’ve also been working on keeping my swing shorter and wider, more compact because it could become long and ‘tilty’ sometimes,” adds Hoey, who turned 37 in February and feels feels better after surgery for chronic sinusitis in 2015.

“My wedges have been poor so I’ve worked hard on distance control. From 100-yards in you need all that worked out otherwise you are nowhere out here (on tour). Repeatability and greater consistency is the key as I try to secure more top 20s.

“I want to finish inside the top 30 in the Race to Dubai, I know it’s a lofty goal but I think it’s doable.”

The Northern Ireland Open hasn’t been kind to Hoey (with three missed cuts), but he remains typically upbeat and hopes his new role with the European Tour can help gain some leverage for his home tournament.

“I’m now on the European Tour Players’ Committee so that makes me a very important person,” quips Hoey in that typically deadpan delivery he has down to a tee. “I sort of took over from Peter Lawrie, who made a great contribution. One of his ideas was players had to play in their national Open – for sponsors that was massive.”

“I’m trying to get more live TV coverage for the NI Open and any tournament in Ireland always looks great with so many spectators and support.”

And if you had a magic wand? “I’d love to see all the top Irish players competing at Galgorm, the likes of Darren and co if their schedules ever allowed it. More money is an obvious aspiration; it would be great to increase the prize money to say a €1.5 million tournament.”

Just now it’s all about consistency in the results business of tournament golf. “As a player you have to love the game and the lifestyle. Being on the road is not for everyone,” says Hoey, currently reading Bob Rotella’s Your 15th Club “which features (Pádraig) Harrington a lot”.

“I know a lot of guys who don’t enjoy it on tour. The nature of golf, it wants to beat you up. Bad breaks happen all the time. You have to be the eternal optimist, be ridiculously positive to the point where everyone thinks you’re a lunatic!

“I still love it. Yes, it’s tough being away from the family and a lot of hanging around airports and hotels but the good days make it worthwhile, especially when you’re a golf nut like me.”

hoey factfile

WHAT’S IN THE BAG? Driver: Titleist 915 / 9.5 degrees Three wood: Titleist 915 / 13.5 Rescue: Titleist 915 / 19 Irons (4-PW): Titleist 716 CB / Dynamic Gold x100 Wedges: Titleist Vokey 52, 56, 60 Putter: Yes TEAM HOEY Swing Coach/Short Johnny Foster game (NI): Swing/Technical Justin Parsons (Dubai): Sports Psychologist: Mark Elliott Caddie: Mark Mazo Fitness Coach: Robbie Cannon Physios: Shane Lawlor Ian Dingwall Management: Jeremy Robinson (Blackstar) Key Sponsors: Titleist, Sphere Global, Leaf Computers, BMW

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Ireland Parkland Course Of The Year 2014

Membership at Galgorm Castle, Be part of it ...

Membership Categories: • Full (Monday – Sunday) • 6 Day (Sunday – Friday) • 5 Day (Monday – Friday) • Young Adult 1 (19 - 23) • Young Adult 2 (24-25) • Junior 1 (8-14) • Junior 2 (15-18)

Home of the Northern Ireland Open Ireland's Parkland Course of the Year 2014

Membership Cost: • Adult Membership from only £11.68 p/w • Young Adult Membership from only £5.27 p/w • Junior Membership from only £2.90 p/w • Flexible payment options including direct debit

Membership Benefits: • 30% Discount on the Driving Range • 10% Discount in the Eagle Bar & Grill • Members’ Discount in the Pro Shop • Bring Guests at a Special members’ Guest rate • Advance booking of tee times and buggies • Receive Exclusive Membership reward offers upon joining

Experience all Galgorm Castle has to offer before joining, Everyone is Welcome

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COURTYARD BUSINESS PARK

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GalgormCastle.com

CONTACT DETAILS Galgorm Castle Golf Club Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim Northern Ireland, BT42 1HL T 028 256 46161 F 028 25 651151 E golf@galgormcastle.com

GalgormCastle.com

GalgormCastle.com