K Club – Palmer South Course

Palmer South was designed primarily as an inland links-style course, giving it a very different character from the more traditional parkland setting of Palmer North.

The landscape feels more open, with sculpted mounding, rocky features and elevated viewpoints bringing plenty of visual interest to the round.

It is a striking course, but there is substance behind the looks. Water hazards, bunkers and changes in elevation all need to be taken into account, while the more exposed setting means the wind can add another layer of challenge.

For golfers looking to add something a little different to an Ireland golf holiday, Palmer South is a very worthwhile addition.

Key Facts

Course type: Inland links-style course
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Designed by: Arnold Palmer
Location: Straffan, County Kildare
On-site accommodation: The K Club
Best suited to: Golfers looking for a distinctive championship course with a completely different feel from Palmer North

The K Club describes Palmer South as an inland links course, combining varied landscapes with dune-style mounding and dramatic rock features.

Location

Palmer South is set within The K Club estate in Straffan, County Kildare, west of Dublin.

The peaceful countryside setting makes it feel like a real escape once you are out on the course, but it is still easy to include as part of a wider Dublin golf itinerary.

Staying at The K Club also makes the logistics wonderfully simple, particularly for groups planning to play Palmer South and Palmer North during the same trip.

A Very Different Arnold Palmer Course

One of the biggest reasons to play Palmer South is the contrast with Palmer North.

Where Palmer North is more traditional and tree-lined, Palmer South feels broader, bolder and more dramatic. Its inland links-style shaping, rocky features and changes in elevation give the course a character of its own.

It is not simply an easier second course, either. There are plenty of moments where accuracy and a little restraint will serve you well, particularly when the water hazards or breeze start to make themselves known.

European Open Pedigree

Palmer South has hosted three European Opens, with Retief Goosen winning in 2004, Stephen Dodd taking the title in 2006 and Colin Montgomerie triumphing in 2007.

Montgomerie’s one-shot victory is particularly memorable. After an 18-month wait for a trophy, he managed to stay out of the water on the final hole and secure the win.

KPMG Women’s Irish Open 2026

Palmer South will host the KPMG Women’s Irish Open from 27 to 30 August 2026.

The tournament is part of the Ladies European Tour schedule and gives the course another opportunity to take centre stage. It also adds a fresh talking point for golfers who enjoy playing courses with a current tournament connection.

Irish Challenge History

Palmer South also hosted the 2024 Irish Challenge, won by Joakim Lagergren.

Lagergren set a new course record of 63 during the opening round before going on to win the tournament.

The Course

Palmer South is an enjoyable course to take on as a group because it offers plenty of variety and no shortage of decisions.

The mounding can create awkward lies, water is never too far away and the more open holes can become a very different test when the wind picks up. It is the sort of layout where a bold shot can pay off, but a slightly more sensible one may save the scorecard.

Standout Holes

The K Club highlights four holes in particular:

3rd: Kingfisher Realm
7th: Swallow Quarry
16th: Little Grebe Dive
18th: Swan Island

The 18th is a particularly strong finish, with water in play and enough jeopardy to keep things interesting right to the end.

When to Play

The main golf season runs from spring through to autumn, when the longer days make it easier to enjoy the course and the wider resort at a relaxed pace.

Spring and early autumn are especially appealing for a golf break, with comfortable playing conditions and plenty of daylight.

Waterproofs are always a sensible addition to the suitcase for Ireland, whatever the month.

Stay at The K Club

The natural hotel pairing is The K Club, the five-star hotel within the estate.

With Palmer South and Palmer North both on site, golfers can enjoy two very different Arnold Palmer courses without needing to travel between rounds.

Palmer South also has its own South Bar & Restaurant, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the course, making it an easy place to settle in for a drink or something to eat afterwards.

Pair It with Palmer North

Palmer South and Palmer North work brilliantly together because they do not feel like variations on the same course.

Palmer North brings the Ryder Cup history, tree-lined fairways and a more traditional parkland challenge.

Palmer South feels more open and dramatic, with inland links-style shaping and a character all of its own.

For groups planning a Dublin and East Ireland golf holiday, a stay at The K Club with rounds on both courses is an easy recommendation. It also adds a very different flavour to a wider Ireland golf holiday.