Druids Glen Golf club was yesterday recognised by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue TD after being named IAGTO European golf resort of the year for 2005.

The award is given further weight as 165 golf tour operators from 32 different countries decide the selection.

Speaking at the announcement in Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel the Minister said: "Among the many searching criteria that were laid down, I am very happy to have been told that the client's emphasis on value for money clinched the award for Druids Glen.

"At a time when there is so much discussion about the value for money amidst rising costs, it is encouraging that this outside judgment shows that in golf anyway, and especially in Druids Glen, we are still able to give that value on top of our friendly and excellent customer service."

The operators were asked to consider customer satisfaction, quality of the course and accommodation, value, accessibility to tee times and quality of service.

The K Club in Kildare was also shortlisted, along with Scottish clubs Gleneagles and Turnberry, Celtic Manor in Wales, Montecastillo in Spain and Penna Longa in Portugal.

Druids Glen, which also has a championship course called Druids Heath, hosted the Irish Open (1996-99) and was the venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002, while also winning European golf course of the year in 2001.

At over 7,000 yards in length Druids Glen is often referred to as the Augusta of Europe. The flora and fauna provide a colourful backdrop to the course. It is also one of the more testing with an island green at 17 and a unique Celtic cross design at the 12th hole.

The clubhouse, Woodstock House, has been fully restored, while George Henry is the resident PGA teaching professional.