The K Club begins latest exciting chapter under new ownership
The K Club, the 550-acre Straffan estate with its luxury five-star 134-bed hotel and two championship golf courses, was bought recently by Dublin-based businessman, Michael Fetherston.
Under its new owner, The K Club is now about to embark on a multi-year investment programme, transforming the property with a series of significant developments and refurbishments, where the focus is not just on capital expenditure but also on the delivery of an energised and welcoming visitor experience.
General Manager and The K Club CEO, Michael Davern says “Since opening in 1991, The K Club has had an unparalleled reputation both as a hotel and as a golf resort. This is a very exciting new chapter in the resort’s history. Michael Fetherston, our new owner, has been a long time member of the The K Club, and Michael and his family will be very hands-on with the management team in implementing his long-term vision for the resort.”
Director of Sales and Marketing, John Costelloe, says “These are exciting times at The K Club. Our new owner, a member of The K Club for over two decades, is about to launch a significant programme of investment across the entire estate and both golf courses that will ensure that The K Club will maintain its position as a leading five-star destination in Ireland, while also introducing our exceptional offering to a new audience and strengthening our roots in our local community.”
“With fresh eyes on this elegant historic property, there are significant plans being launched over the coming months,” says Audrey Brophy, Hotel Manager at The K Club. “This investment programme will include important restoration work on the hotel, and innovative new brand developments with our chef Kevin McGrattan to strengthen our food and beverage offering, including refurbishing the Victorian walled garden to supply our own home grown produce to the resort’s restaurants.”
“We were delighted to be awarded a Forbes Travel Guide 2020 Award this year,” continues General Manager and The K Club CEO, Michael Davern. “Awarded for “exceptional service and the quality of facility to match”, we look forward to building on this success while also becoming more sustainable, family-friendly, and engaged in our local community.”
Host of the Ryder Cup in 2006, The K Club has also become an iconic name in international golf. “The management team is now executing an investment programme to secure that legacy, from a full remodel of the Clubhouse to major works on both golf courses and gardens,” says Gerry Byrne, Resort Superintendent. “On the Palmer course alone, we have been reshaping the lake features to the original design, refurbishing the flower beds and opening up vistas. We would also very much welcome hosting an Irish Open in the coming years.”
