The Process Episode 4: From the Dunes of Ireland to the Earth-Moving Marvel of Miakka
In an interview published in a recent podcast episode of The Process, Dana Fry details his journey from playing collegiate golf to becoming a leading architect. He credits mentors Andy Banfield and Mike Stranz for teaching him the art of large-scale earth-moving and meticulous shaping.
The conversation dives deep into the engineering marvel of Miakka Golf Club in Florida. To transform flat terrain into a dramatic landscape, the team moved millions of cubic yards of dirt and implemented innovative features like a 500-foot cart tunnel and Zoysia tees, fairways, and greens. Fry also highlights Curracloe Links in Ireland, emphasizing a naturalistic approach that routes through coastal dunes.
Whether discussing sand-capping for firm-and-fast play or the necessity of sustainable design, the episode explores Fry’s obsession with creating world-class courses that balance bold aesthetics with environmental stewardship.
New Podcast: Exploring the "Irish Rarity" of Curracloe Links
In a recent episode of Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori, Edward Doyle, Director of Golf at Druids Glen and the highly anticipated Curracloe Links, joins the show to discuss the birth of Ireland’s newest seaside masterpiece.
The episode, titled "An Irish Rarity Awaits," delves into the 26-year journey to bring golf to this specific site in County Wexford—a project that marks the first-ever Irish design for award-winning architects Dana Fry and Jason Straka.
Curracloe Links Has a “Sense of Place”
"Curracloe" translates from Gaelic to mean marsh—a fitting name for a site where a natural wetland separates the lush golf corridors from the towering seaside dunes. Curracloe Links recently caught up with golf course architect Jason Straka to discuss the unique "sandscape" that defines the course. From the strategic "ground game" built into the layout to the massive rolling hills of sand, the course is designed to play fast and firm. Check out the video in the link to hear Jason explain why this project is more than just a course—it’s a celebration of its environment.
You can now book tee times at soon to be opened golf course in Ireland
The stunning Curracloe Links at Ravenport Resort doesn't open for play until the spring of 2027, but golfers can already check for availability and tee times for the opportunity to play Ireland's newest spectacular links.
With play set to begin on the April 1 2027, Curracloe Links is poised to spearhead what will become one of Ireland’s leading golf destinations - the sunny south east. Located adjacent to the iconic Curracloe Beach, the 18-hole links course has been masterfully brought to life by the award-winning architecture team of Jason Straka and Dana Fry, renowned for their environmentally sensitive and strategic approach to golf course architecture.
Hype heightening around Curracloe Links
Curracloe Links, designed by the American architectural team of Dana Fry and Jason Straka (Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design), will debut with preview play in fall 2026. The layout is expected to fit in quite nicely with the more than 50 links courses scattered across the self-proclaimed “Land of Links.”
Video: Golf Destination Previews Curracloe Links in Ireland
Opening in 2026, it will be the newest course in Ireland. Designed by Fry/Straka this seaside gem is one of the most anticipated openings in Europe. Go onto this page's Ireland section and get a more in depth interview with the design team.
Golf Destination is the longest running golf travel show in the United States. The show takes an in-depth look at some of the world's greatest golfing destinations. Also featuring previews of tournaments and competitions.
Class Chats - Curracloe Golf Course designers Fry Straka
Welcome back to another Class Chat. In this episode Will had the great opportunity to chat with Dana Fry and Jason Straka who are well known golf course designers located in the US. They are also currently designing the new golf links in Curracloe, Co Wexford. This is an interesting listen as the 2 gentlemen talk through their favourite courses that they have designed and not designed. They also give Will an education on Links courses, set up and grasses. Finally they get around to discussing the new course in Curracloe. If you are a golf nerd then this will be right up your alley!!
Project Curracloe: A design in the works in South East Ireland
It is an incredible project, but what about the men behind the work going into Curracloe Beach?
Jason Straka and Dana Fry are the architects that are constructing a soon-to-be world class golf facility in and amongst the dunes and linksland of south east Ireland.
Straka, a former President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), had worked with Fry for two decades before the pair formed Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design in 2012.
The pair have an incredible body of work, which includes the venue for the 2017 US Open, Erin Hills.
I was fortunate enough to speak to Jason Straka about the project, one that he is very excited about bringing to the Irish public.