A top golfing facility, the Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh, has received another prestigious award for its highly acclaimed Championship Faldo Course.

Golf World, the long established and authoritative magazine in the UK has voted the 18th hole on The Faldo Course the best par three hole in the whole of the UK and Ireland eclipsing the Forest of Arden and St Pierre which both have established tournament heritage.

The Lough Erne - which is rapidly gaining a reputation as an outstanding test of golf in Ireland - said that the 18th hole Cygnets Rest is one of the toughest and most challenging finishing holes in the UK stretching to 228 yards and faced stiff opposition from well-known and established courses throughout the UK.

The Golf World assessment took into account the design and quality of the hole and aesthetic appeal.

The 7,167 yard Faldo Course has been open less than a year and has already received plaudits from both sides of the Atlantic having recently been voted one of the Top Three Best New International Courses by the historic Sports Illustrated and Golf Magazine Group in the USA.

Jim Treacy, owner of Lough Erne Resort commented: "We are delighted to have received this accolade so soon after opening The Faldo Course.

"It is a testament to the tremendous design skills of Sir Nick Faldo and his team and our own greenkeeping staff who have worked so hard to create and maintain this championship course in immaculate playing condition all year round."

Meanwhile, the resort is expanding later this year with the opening of The Faldo Golf Academy under the guidance of Lynn McCool, Director of Golf & Head Professional and will also host the Irish Qualifier and Grand Final of The Faldo Series this season.

The resort will also stage the second 'Lough Erne Challenge' with touring professional and World No. 12 golfer Rory McIlroy the star attraction this Summer.

(BMcC/GK)