tralee golf course

Tralee Golf Course at Barrow was designed by Arnold Palmer and his team who began work in 1980 and the links opened in 1984. The first venture by Arnold Palmer in Europe and he said “I have never come across a piece of land so ideally suited for the building of a golf course”. He made a promise to the members that he would build them a a masterpiece and that he did.

Tralee Golf Club was founded in 1896 and prior to moving to the beautiful links land set overlooking Banna Strand they had three previous courses but all relatively close to Tralee town were constantly washed away by heavy rain. A new strategy was put in place where golf could be played all year round and the resultant decision brought Arnies design army to the excuisite piece of links land where “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed in 1968 on the beaches there.

If you would like to learn more about the history and folklore of Tralee look no further than the names of the holes 1 to 18. each has great significance and a story can be told about each. For instance; Cu Chullain’s Table – the par 4 4th where the great warrior came to visit on many an occasion or Palmer’s Peak – Par 5 11th set on high with a vista over Dingle Peninsula.

The course brings the golfer on an expedition of cliff top walks, manoeuvring around the headland with mountainous peaks in the background and the sea visible from every hole. There is no sheltering from the elements. At the half way hut back at the clubhouse you can get a great hotdog and you’ll need the sustenance for the back nine brings you on a roller coaster ride of gigantic dunes.