Jason Straka & Dana Fry Architects of Curracloe Links | Ep.194

A brand-new links golf course 28 years in the making is finally getting closer to fruition in southeast Ireland.

Shovels are breaking ground this week on Curracloe Links, a Dana Fry and Jason Straka design that will debut in 2026.

Dana and Jason joined Jonny on the podcast for a brief discussion around the inspiration behind the course, their ambition and love of Irish golf and plenty more.

We'll be doing some more pieces with Dana and Jason during their construction on what might be the last new links golf course to be built in Ireland.

The 6,600-yard, par-70 golf course will be a part of the new Ravenport Resort, a luxury hotel with 50 rooms, a spa and leisure club in Wexford. Ravenport Resort, overlooking Ireland's most famous beach, Curracloe Beach, where Steven Spielberg filmed the opening scene in the film "Saving Private Ryan."

A ridge divides the 160-acre property. Some holes offer sea views, while others stare off into the beautiful Irish countryside. It's very walkable land. Water will come into play on the first and 18th holes, which is rare - but not unheard of - for an Irish links.

"One of my favorite parts of the property doesn't even have the water views," Straka said. "It is surrounded by sheep farms. It is quintessential Ireland with a backdrop of the rock walls and sheep everywhere. You definitely have a sense of place. It's geared toward fun, resort-style golf and tourism. We're not looking to host the Irish Open. That is not what this is all about."