The Slieve Russell Golf & Country Club, which takes its name from the nearby Slieve Rushen, is set amidst 300 acres of magnificently landscaped gardens including 50 acres of lakes, which play a significant role in the challenge of the golf course. Designed by leading Irish course architect Patrick Merrigan and opened for play in August 1992, the championship standard golf course has quickly become recognised as one of Ireland's leading venues. Among the many major events hosted at the Slieve Russell, include the 1996 Smurfit Irish Professional Championship, the Northwest of Ireland Open and the annual Quinn Direct Pro Am event, one of the biggest such tournament in Ireland.