The European Challenge Tour is back in Ireland this week and it’s a maiden visit to The K Club on the Road to Mallorca. Here’s everything you need to know…
Plenty of history
The K Club is one of the most iconic venues on the island of Ireland having hosted a plethora of high profile events through the years. The venue has hosted the Irish Open on a number of occasions, most recently in 2016 when Rory McIlroy triumphed, but the venue’s biggest occasion came in 2006 in the form of The Ryder Cup. Team Europe were led to victory by 1991 Masters Tournament winner Ian Woosnam as he oversaw an emphatic 18.5 – 9.5 triumph in County Kildare.
A bright future
This week marks the beginning of a new era for professional golf in Ireland following the historic announcement regarding The K Club’s long-term support of the Horizon Irish Open and the Irish Challenge. Starting this week, the venue will host the Horizon Irish Open and the Irish Challenge in alternating years until 2027.
Palmer South Course
The K Club has two courses – the Palmer North and the Palmer South – and this week’s event will be held on the South. Named after course designer Arnold Palmer, the course was designed as an in-land links and the features provide a picturesque backdrop. The Horizon Irish Open will be held on the North course.
Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy
The highest finishing Irishman this week will take home the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy. The four-time DP World Tour winner is one of Ireland’s most beloved golfers and sadly passed away in 2016, when the Memorial Trophy was founded in his honour. Past recipients of the trophy include two-time winner Dermot McElroy, Ruaidhri McGee, Connor O’Rourke and Cormac Sharvin.
