“I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.”
That’s the famous line from Mr. Arnold Palmer, course designer of Tralee Golf Club, so it’s fitting that the Palmer Cup comes to the Kingdom of Kerry next year.
Palmer, dubbed ‘The King,’ was always welcome at the Barrow links course which was opened for play in 1984 after moving from its nine-hole location in Mounthawk, and the Palmer Cup will be played there for the first time from July 3-5.
Next year will mark the 30th staging of the Ryder Cup-style competition, which sees the best US and international collegiate players compete against each other. This will be the sixth edition held in Ireland following Doonbeg (2002), Ballybunion (2004), Royal Portrush (2010), Royal County Down (2012) and Lahinch (2024).
USA lead the roll of honour 15-13 although there were no Irish players on the victorious international team last time out in South Carolina.
When Palmer came to visit the site for his design of a new 18-hole course for Tralee Golf Club, he was smitten with the piece of land he saw and the project became a real love affair. As the first European course designed by Palmer, it holds a special place in his legacy.
The seven-time major winner often came back to Tralee where a statue of him was erected just outside the clubhouse and he always made sure to immerse himself in the local culture.
Legend says the famous Tralee caddie Chuckie O’Connell sung to Palmer while in his underwear in the locker room.
The highlight of Head Professional David Power’s time in Tralee is playing a round of golf with Mr Palmer.
‘The King’ came down to Tralee to tee it up on his links and Power couldn’t speak highly enough of the hall of fame golfer.
“He was amazing, just the most down to Earth man in the world. We had an amazing day, he wanted a Tralee shirt to wear on the course. He warmed up on the rangewith around 30 people watching him.
“I gave him the shirt and he just whips the top off to get changed in front of everyone, no problem. He was great and he was easy company.
“When we won the Kerry Junior League, Arnold Palmer presented the kids with their medals and three of those boys have gone on to become plus three golfers, so that was great for them,” he added.
Palmer’s presence is felt throughout Tralee Golf Club on a daily basis and if some classic Irish links weather arrives there is no doubt that the players competing in the Palmer Cup will have to channel the attitude of one of golf’s greatest ever players.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best collegiate golfers to Tralee Golf Club to play boldly and honour the legacy of Arnold Palmer,” said Amy Palmer Saunders, board chair of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.
“In addition to introducing the next generation of young golf talent, this tournament celebrates camaraderie, honour and integrity – the qualities of good character that make a true champion.”
Tralee Golf Club will provide a fabulous setting for the Palmer Cup. Perched on the Atlantic cliffs of West Barrow in Kerry, it has long been established as one of Ireland’s premier links courses.
A world class course must come with facilities of a similar stature and Tralee boasts a state of the art practice academy and a par three course.
We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to host the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup at Tralee Golf Club,” said Chairperson Brian Mehigan. “This prestigious event is a perfect match for our world-renowned links, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best collegiate players to our spectacular course on the Atlantic.”
General Manager Maurice O’Meara added: “It’s a privilege for our club to play a part in continuing Arnold Palmer’s incredible legacy. We eagerly anticipate showing players, coaches, and fans from around the world the warmth of our welcome and the unforgettable challenge of links golf at Tralee.”
Some of the US and International players could use the event as a spring board towards the Walker Cup which will be played in Lahinch in September 2026.
