Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort plans to reopen from July 27

Northern Ireland's premier luxury Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort has told GolfMagic that plans are in place for its hotel and resort to reopen from July 27. 

The course reopened to its members on May 20 as per Golfing Union of Ireland and Irish Ladies Golf Union guidelines, and just like the rest of the British Isles, has been seeing a high demand for tee times. 

"The championship course was maintained to the highest standard throughout the lockdown, which meant members could enjoy the course in excellent condition from the moment we reopened," said Ross Oliver, director of golf at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort.

"The lockdown also afforded our greenstaff the chance to complete winter projects to the course.

"As you can imagine, demand for tee times has been high. We’re adhering to GUI protocols and look forward to welcoming visitors back to Galgorm very soon."

With the number of daily coronavirus cases decreasing by the day not just in Northern Ireland but across the rest of the United Kingdom, plans are now in place at the Ballymena-based resort to get back to full capacity hopefully by the end of next month. 

"It’s great the golf course has reopened, and plans are in place for the hotel and resort to reopen from July 27," said Gary Henry, managing director Galgorm Castle Estates.

"Should things change as we come through the pandemic, the resort may reopen sooner depending on government guidelines. These are unprecedented and challenging times.

"Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort remains one of the premier golf resorts in the UK & Ireland and we expect demand – particularly for staycations – to be high when all parts of the business reopen."

Despite the struggle faced by many companies around the world due to coronavirus, Henry admits Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort will be more than ready for its customers from the moment they receive a green light. 

"We were able to retain all of our staff (over 1,000 across the resort sites) during the pandemic," said Henry.

"This is great news for the team but will also help us to hit the ground running when all aspects of the business reopen.

"The resort used the down time to complete room upgrades at the hotel, refurbish Gillies Grill & Bar, plus further expansion work was carried out at the spa, which is recognised as one of the best in Europe.

"The entire team are very excited about reopening and welcoming guests back to Galgorm soon."

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort plays host to one of the most innovative events in world golf with the ISPS Handa World Invitational Men | Women presented by Modest! Golf on the Challenge Tour. 

In 2019, England's Jack Senior triumphed in a playoff for the men's title, while Stephanie Meadow returned home to record a popular win in front of local crowds in the women's event. 

"Postponing this year’s ISPS Handa World Invitational was disappointing but we look forward to announcing new details for the 2021 event in the coming months," said Henry. 

For more information about Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, please visit www.galgorm.com