The Road to Mallorca heads to Ireland this week for the Irish Challenge at The K Club. Here’s everything you need to know…
Historic venue
The K Club is one of the most iconic venues on the island of Ireland having hosted a number of high-profile events through the years, including the 2006 Ryder Cup when 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. The venue has also hosted the DP World Tour’s European Open from 1995-2007 and the Irish Open on two occasions, including Rory McIlroy’s victory in 2016.
In 2022 The K Club announced their long-term support of the Irish Open and the Irish Challenge as they agreed to host the events in alternating years until 2027. Todd Clements secured his maiden Challenge Tour victory at The K Club at the 2022 Irish Challenge, while Vincent Norrman triumphed at the 2023 Horizon Irish Open.
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, while the 2025 Irish Open will be held on the North course. The Palmer South was designed as an in-land links and the features provide a picturesque backdrop. The signature hole is the par-five seventh hole called "Swallow Quarry", measuring 609 yards this week. Seven holes on the back nine are protected by water and the 18th, called "Swan Island", has an island green which will provide drama and excitement on Sunday afternoon.
Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy
The highest finishing Irishman this week will secure a spot in the 2024 Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down and 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 DP World Tour winners Tom McKibbin and Jonathan Caldwell, Dermot McElroy who has won the trophy on two occasions, Ruaidhri McGee, Connor O’Rourke and Cormac Sharvin.
