Tralee golf course features a back nine that is world-renowned as one of the toughest and most scenic nines in South Ireland golf – if not links golf worldwide. Opened in 1984, its architect and former Open Champion, Arnold Palmer, said “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.”
A memorable stop on the South West Ireland Golf Tour, Tralee golf club is a challenging and breathtaking course, embodying the true essence of what golf in Ireland represents.
Tralee Golf Club was established in 1896 and played a nine-hole design through its former years, until the members with a dream of a world-class layout, purchased the current site at Barrow in the 1980s.
The current scenic locale is perhaps best known as the backdrop for the movie Ryan’s Daughter. The memorable 17th hole a par 4 featuring a scary drive over a deep ravine and a challenging approach to a tabletop green, is named in honor of the movie.
Due to the monstrous dunes, deep ravine carries, and plateau greens that give the back nine its well-deserved reputation, the front nine seems tame in comparison.
However, it has its own delightful character, while relatively flat the land is elevated from the sea.
Offering spectacular panoramic views across Barrow Bay to the Atlantic Ocean as the routing hugs the coastline.
In fact, two of Tralee golf course’s most notable holes “Culin,” a 594-yard par 5 is credited as one of the best in Ireland and Tralee’s signature hole, “The Castle,” a 194-yard par 3, are both on the outward nine.
Tralee is a must-play on any Southwest Ireland golf itinerary and graciously offers limited visitor tee times. However, prior planning is necessary to ensure a coveted tee time, often as much as a year in advance.
Tralee from its modest beginnings has a very healthy membership of over 1,300, mainly overseas, vying for tee times during the season.
Tralee Golf Club stands out as a unique gem on the Irish golfing landscape, not just for its Arnold Palmer-designed course, which was the first European design by the legendary golfer, but also for its captivating natural beauty.
The course transitions seamlessly from traditional links land into rugged coastal dunes, offering players a variety of challenging holes that are as visually stunning as they are enjoyable to play. Each hole provides a different perspective of the Atlantic, with panoramic views that can distract even the most focused golfer.
What makes Tralee truly special is its blend of challenging golf and breathtaking scenery, ensuring an unforgettable experience that goes beyond simply playing a round of golf.
Play Tralee Golf Course as part of a South West Ireland golf tour. Include Ballybunion, Waterville, Old Head, and Lahinch, on a golf package filled with the best coastline golf courses that South West Ireland has to offer.
6 nights accommodation and 5 rounds of golf
From $6,172 per golfer
Allan O’Connor
The Killarney Park, one of the best hotels in Ireland, no more needs be said.
Great Southern, Killarney is Killarney’s oldest hotel, dating back to Victorian times, it exudes old-world charm, but with modern bedrooms.
Aghadoe Heights, Killarney, located just outside town overlooking the world-famous Lakes of Killarney & the McGillicuddy Reeks offers spectacular views and is a great pick for groups with non-golfers as it has a wonderful Spa.
For those not playing some of the other SW courses Ballygarry Estate, located on the outskirts of Tralee town, is a great choice located on its own estate; it also boasts a great Spa.
I want to thank the Premier Golf team for a wonderful week…most especially, for this great weather! Wow did we ever luck 🍀 out!!! Heading back to the States in a few but all of us in the group had an amazing time and made memories that will last us forever. The golf seemed to get better each day, although it’s hard to trump Old Head. Tralee ran a very close 1A. All of the courses were fantastic and unique in their own way. Couldn’t have put together a better lineup.
I was with Mark Osborne, so had much of the same experiences. The 7 courses we played would be hard to beat: Old Head, Waterville, Tralee, Ballybunion (Cashen)/(Old), Lahinch, and Doonbeg. We ended up eating at all of the recommended restaurants and we pleased with all. We had 8 golfers, so making reservations as early as possible is highly recommended. We often had chowder for lunch after our rounds. The chowder at Lahinch is not to be missed.
Mike Taylor was our driver and was perfect. Helpful, prompt, informative, funny, and professional are some of the adjectives to describe him. The coach was large and accommodating with everyone having more than enough room. Most importantly, Mike got us to our destinations on time and safely.
We experienced every type of weather imaginable. One day was a shorts day with plenty of sunshine and only moderate wind (2 extra clubs). The other days had winds which required shots with 4+ extra clubs. We did get the remnants of two hurricanes which added to the rain and wind.
Five of the caddies we had were off the charts good (clubbing, finding balls. humorous and reading putts). The other younger caddies were better than average but compared to the older caddies, were not as proficient. One day we rode in carts and our fore caddy was awesome. Caddies made a huge difference and I do not see how we could have played decent golf without them.
They’re those who will bypass Doonbeg because of the Trump name. They will have deprived themselves from a great experience. The course conditions were the best of the 7 courses we played. The clubhouse was easily the best.
We had researched a number of companies, before choosing Premier. We obviously made the right choice.
The golf on Old Head was scary good. Waterville was a tough beauty even without the wind gusting over 40. I want another shot at Tralee without the rain and 35 mph winds (we wimped out after nine holes). Ballybunion Cashen was extremely demanding and unique. Ballybunion Old exceeded expectations and had a couple of crazy holes that were even more fun. Lahinch was spectacular. No matter what you think of Trump, he runs a hell of a course at Doonbeg.
If you’re game isn’t sharp or you’re advancing in years, don’t be afraid to move to more forward tees. The caddies will love you for it. BTW, if given the choice, always take a caddie….worth ever penny as entertainment and as a stroke saver.
Our coach driver, Mike was THE BEST. You need not worry about anything with him in charge.
Our hotels were top notch. No cookie cutter facilities were they. It was sometimes difficult to get a full breakfast if we had an early tee time.
All in all Premier puts together a spectacular package to Ireland.
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Tralee Golf Course, with its rich history, was founded in 1896. However, it was in October 1984 that the Arnold Palmer-designed course at Tralee Golf Club was opened. Since then, the course has become renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, challenging layout, and exceptional golfing experiences. Golf enthusiasts visiting Tralee can enjoy a blend of tradition and modern design as they tee off on this remarkable course.
The closest airport to Tralee Golf Club is Shannon Airport, which is approximately a 2-hour transfer away. This airport offers convenient access for travelers coming from various destinations, including direct flights from the USA.
To book a tee time at Tralee Golf Club, a renowned golf destination in southwest Ireland, you can do so by booking through Premier Golf as part of a Southwest Ireland golf package. Premier Golf specializes in creating exceptional golf experiences for golf lovers.
Tralee Golf Course was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. With his renowned expertise and vision, Palmer crafted the layout of the course to showcase the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
As per the latest information the green fee is from €275 for 2023. At Premier Golf the green fee is always included in the premium packages.