54, a company with deep ties to LIV Golf, signs to manage three golf courses in Ireland

Posted by author January 23, 2025 Golf

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The ownership group for Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort and the yet-to-open Curracloe Links in Ireland has entered into an agreement with the company 54, formerly known as Performance54, to manage golf course operations and agronomy services.

A sports and entertainment agency, 54 operates around the world with deep ties to LIV Golf. On its website, 54 writes that it worked for years to attract attention to what has become LIV Golf and has recruited players, negotiated contracts and brought LIV Golf League to reality. The company helps LIV with event operations, guest management and marketing. On its website, 54 touts in its portfolio its work with other many other international companies including Visit Saudi, BMW, Wynn Resorts, MG, Legoland and Under Armour.

The Neville Group – the family-run owners of Druids Glen and the in-development Ravenport Resort, site of Curracloe Links – owns five Irish properties in all.

“This is a terrific new engagement for 54, showing off the full spectrum of the expertise and experience we can bring to two courses (three, counting that there are two courses at Druids Glen) at very different stages of their journey,” Francisco de Lancastre David, executive director of operations for 54, said in a media release announcing the partnership. “Druids Glen is a venue with a fantastic reputation, and we’re looking to ensure our support keeps the course right at the top of people’s wish lists. Throughout our history, we have provided strategic launch advice for a number of amazing courses across Europe, and with Curracloe Links we have a destination really worthy of the challenge. It’s going to be an incredible asset for Irish golf.”

Druids Glen, less than an hour’s drive south of Dublin, is home to two golf courses: the eponymous Druids Glen and Druids Heath. The Druids Glen course was designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, and it hosted the Irish Open from 1996 to 1999. Druids Heath was designed by Ruddy and was site of the 2006 Irish PGA Championship.

Curracloe Links, about two hours’ drive south of Dublin, is being designed by the team of Dana Fry and Jason Straka and is scheduled to open in 2026. The accompanying Ravenport Resort will include 49 rooms, a spa, dining options and golf lodges.

“Curracloe Links will be a standout design in a breathtaking location, and it’s strategically important that such a key launch will be executed with partners of the experience of 54,” Seamus Neville, director of Neville Hotels, said in the media release. “Druids Glen stands proud as one of the most iconic and stunning courses in Europe, and working with 54 will ensure things run smoothly and align with our ambitious plans.”