




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.
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Tiger’s best round
Rory’s best round
Mens course record
Ladies course record
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Caddy guide
Buggies
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.
10 – quick, true, and firm in dry spells
Strong Atlantic gusts are the norm – usually from the west. Back nine fully exposed. Bring layers and commit to club choices.
Good – well spaced tee times and efficient marshalling
Low to moderate – friendly opener, with clubhouse behind and ocean in view. Beauty outweighs pressure.
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.