Tralee

Links golf meets Hollywood scenery. Tralee offers jaw-dropping ocean views, soaring dunes, and a thrilling test – a true Irish classic with cinematic drama.

Slope Rating

139

Par

72

Yardage

7,008

Tralee Golf Club is a rugged, awe-inspiring links on the Atlantic edge of County Kerry. Designed by Arnold Palmer in 1984, it was his first course in Europe – and he called the front nine what he built, and the back nine what God created. That says it all. The opening holes are solid links – undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and rolling green complexes. But once you hit the 10th tee, the course becomes a coastal epic. Holes weave through towering dunes, cliff edges, and wide Atlantic panoramas. The 12th, a par-3 across a rocky chasm, is unforgettable. The 17th, a long par-4 running along the ocean, is exposed and unforgiving. It’s not just a scenic round – Tralee plays firm, fast, and brutally tough in wind. Greens are subtle and quick, and the dunes demand creativity. The setting is remote, peaceful, and humbling. It’s not just a round of golf – it’s a journey through Ireland’s wild west, where history, nature, and golf collide in spectacular fashion.

Designer

Arnold Palmer

Opened

1984

Tee time availability

Fair

Special information

Increasingly popular – advance booking advised. Ideal paired with Ballybunion, Waterville, or Dooks.

Tiger’s best round

Rory’s best round

Mens course record

66 – Club competition

Ladies course record

Round duration

4 hours 40 minutes

Caddy guide

Strongly recommended – back nine has blind shots, swirling winds, and elevation changes that benefit from local expertise

Buggies

Not permitted

A shotmaker’s playground. Stay under the wind, manage spin, and don’t over-attack on approach. Par is an excellent score on the back nine – focus and shape shots.

Play for position. Keep your ball in play and avoid taking on cliff-edge greens unless confident. Focus on scoring early – back nine is stunning but tough.

Challenging but playable from forward tees. Bring extra balls, soak up the views, and enjoy the ride. One of Ireland’s most scenic rounds regardless of score.

Green speed

10 – quick, true, and firm in dry spells

Wind

Strong Atlantic gusts are the norm – usually from the west. Back nine fully exposed. Bring layers and commit to club choices.

Pace of play

Good – well spaced tee times and efficient marshalling

Nerves on the first tee

Low to moderate – friendly opener, with clubhouse behind and ocean in view. Beauty outweighs pressure.

Clubhouse

Modern with panoramic views – friendly, warm, and relaxed with excellent post-round food

The 12th is a cliff-edge par-3 over rocks to a tiny green. The 17th is a long, terrifying par-4 into the wind along the sea. The 8th, a short par-4, tempts with a driveable green but punishes overhit shots into bunkers and thick rough.

Atlantic-facing and exposed – sunshine, wind, rain, and cloud can all cycle in one round. Prime months are May to September. Always pack waterproofs and wind layers.