Tralee Golf Links was the first links golf course designed by Arnold Palmer in Ireland. The King and his associate Ed Seay were gifted a spectacular piece of land that was destined for a great golf course.
Since it opened in the 1980’s, the debate as to whether the duo made the most of that gift has been ongoing. But, as you’ll see in this guide, Tralee Golf Links has continued to evolve. Most would agree that the course has only improved through the decades and it’s a common choice for those planning a golf trip to Ireland.
What can’t be denied, however, is that Tralee Golf Links is home to one show-stopping moment after another. If you’re counting down to a tee time at Tralee, here is where you’ll find them.
Photo Courtesy of Tralee Golf Links
Tralee also features prominently in par-2 of our podcast featuring the great golf courses and stunning sites of Southwest Ireland. Tune-in below or wherever you get your podcasts.
The King
In honor of Arnold Palmer’s connection to Tralee Golf Links, a statue of The King in his quintessential pose stands near the 1st tee and is a favorite photo spot for visitors. As for the course itself, Arnold Palmer once famously said of Tralee…
“I may have designed the front-9, but surely God designed the back-9.”
3rd Hole
The concept of a “signature hole” is practically unheard of on the great links courses of Britain and Ireland. But if Arnold Palmer insisted on applying the rule to any hole at Tralee Golf Links, it would likely be the 3rd hole.
This par-3, known as “Castle,” is pressed hard against the sea and features a 15th century guard post behind the green. The hole will likely require a mid to long iron for the approach, however like most seaside par-3s, the wind will answer that question. The safe play off the tee is to avoid the sea and favor the left-side, but anything too far left will find a pair of greenside bunkers.
7th Hole
Tralee Golf Links has recently undergone a variety of course updates on its front-9 to bring some balance between the two sides. The most notable of these is the new 7th hole.
Like the 3rd hole, the new 7th is a stunning par-3 pressed right up against the sea. Only this time, the trouble is on the left-side. Between the rocky shoreline and castle ruins standing in the distance, the new 7th hole at Tralee is certain to achieve the club’s goal of adding more drama to the front-9. It’s also certain to make a strong impression in your memory bank.
Photo Courtesy of Tralee Golf Links
8th Hole
As part of their renovation program, Tralee Golf Links has also made a number of changes to the par-4 8th hole. The green has been reshaped and moved slightly closer to the sea, making better use of the magnificent terrain. The work also introduced dramatic runoffs on the right-side of the green where a deep bunker threatens to swallow the timid approach.
Regardless of where that approach ends up, however, it’s unlikely to be of much concern. The panorama from the 8th green is nothing short of spectacular.
Photo Courtesy of Tralee Golf Links
16th Hole
Although the front-9 has its share of dramatic par-3s, none at Tralee can match what’s offered at the 16th hole.
The hole is known as “Shipwreck” in honor of the rocky coastline which itself is nicknamed the “graveyard of the Spanish Armada.” The green is nestled among the dunes against the shoreline, and is an inspiring site from the tee as the waves crash in the distance. Depending on wind direction, the 16th hole at Tralee could require anything from a short-iron to a driver.
To say it’s a stern test is an understatement. One with the potential to wreck your scorecard like all of the ships that met their untimely fate here.
Photo Courtesy of Tralee Golf Links
17th Hole
As the round at Tralee works toward its conclusion, the 17th hole delivers one final flash of drama.
The hole is known as “Ryan’s Daughter” in honor of the acclaimed movie which was filmed on its beautiful site. From an elevated tee, the task at hand is to find the narrow fairway that is squeezed between the dunes. If successful, the approach shot presents yet another difficult task. The tiny, elevated green is a challenge to find on a calm day, let alone if the wind is wreaking havoc on your club selection.
Par on the 17th hole at Tralee should be celebrated, but like so many other moments on the course, the spectacular scene usually offsets any pain on the scorecard.
Photo Courtesy of Tralee Golf Links
The Patio
If there’s one thing that you’ll find in abundance during golf trips to Southwest Ireland, it’s inspiring 19th holes. Just as we recommend after rounds at Waterville Golf Links and Old Head Golf Links, your day at Tralee isn’t done until you’ve spent a few minutes on the clubhouse patio.
With your beverage of choice in-hand, you and your playing partners can take in the unbelievable scene one last time, while reminiscing on an unforgettable day.
From the enjoyable golf and inspired views, to post-round pints on the patio, Tralee Golf Links delivers one of the most memorable days that you’ll find on a golf trip to Ireland.
Our free guide includes over 40 pages of valuable insight, plus links to nearly 50 additional resources, on Golf and the Good Life in Ireland.
For more insight on planning your golf trip to Ireland, visit the pages below, read our Ireland golf trip reviews, or have a look through our Yardage Book, where you’ll find answers to many of our most frequently asked questions.
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