Tralee Golf Club to Stage 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup in Landmark Hosting for Ireland
Tralee Golf Club has been confirmed as the host for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup, one of the most prestigious events in international collegiate golf.
The celebrated competition will tee off from 3–5 July 2026, marking its 30th edition and bringing the world’s elite student golfers to the rugged beauty of Ireland’s southwest coast.
This will be the first time Tralee hosts the event, a Ryder Cup-style format where top U.S. college golfers, both men and women, compete against an international team of their global counterparts.
Team USA currently leads the series 15-13-1. Rolex, a longtime ally of Arnold Palmer and his legacy, will continue as a proud sponsor, deepening its 50-year association with the event.
“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.”
Perched high on the cliffs of West Barrow in County Kerry, Tralee Golf Club isn’t just scenic, it’s sacred ground for golf lovers.
Designed by Arnold Palmer himself, the course fuses dramatic Atlantic views with raw, challenging links golf. Dunes, sweeping fairways, and cliff-edge tee boxes create a setting that stuns even the most seasoned players.
This isn’t just any golf course. It’s history underfoot. Palmer’s design, his first in Europe, has earned acclaim worldwide.
His now-famous words still echo across the links: “I may have designed the front nine, but surely God designed the back nine.” With nature’s grandeur woven into every hole, the sentiment couldn’t be more fitting.
“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.”
The course, which moved to its current location in 1984, is no stranger to global admiration. From the par‑5 second that hugs the cliffs to the nerve-testing 16th buried in the dunes, each hole offers its own story and challenge.
The club also boasts cutting-edge facilities, including a modern practice academy, par-3 short course, indoor simulators, and panoramic clubhouse views that rival the play itself.
“It’s a privilege for our club to play a part in continuing Arnold Palmer’s incredible legacy,” added General Manager Maurice O’Meara.
“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.”
With more than 1,300 members and a long history dating back to 1896, Tralee Golf Club is a beacon for the sport in Ireland. Its place on the international stage is now firmly cemented with this latest honour.
Golfers, fans, and officials alike can expect an unforgettable few days on the Kerry coastline. The 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup at Tralee won’t just be a tournament — it’ll be a celebration of golf’s past, present, and future.
