This
magnificent course is one of Kerry's finest. Arnold Palmer
designed the current links but nature played it's part in
creating the cliffs, dunes and rugged terrain which make the
area so ideally suited for the building of a spectacular golf
course. Its location beside the Atlantic ensures that most
holes enjoy spectacular views, while all are subject to the
prevailing winds. Beauty abounds with Banna Strand of Ryan's
Daughter fame just an errant chip shot away.
Renowned
golf writer Peter Dobereiner aptly summed up the experience
of playing here, commenting: "As a spectacle,
Tralee is in a different class. The setting is quite the most
magnificent backdrop for a golf course I have ever encountered.
It thus passes with distinction my first test of a course,
which is that it should be an exhilarating place to walk around
regardless of how well or badly you may be playing."
Feature
holes on the front nine include the dogleg par five 2nd hole,
which measures over 590 yards from the championship tees and
plays directly along the Atlantic Ocean. To the right; is
the demanding par three 3rd hole, which requires a tee shot
struck almost over the beach to a green guarded left and right
by bunkers. The relatively short par four 8th hole, again
requires a brave tee shot skirting with a watery grave on
the left and requiring a pinpoint approach to a target sloping
wickedly from right to left.
When
playing your second shot to the 12th green, you will quickly
realize why it's rated the most difficult on the course. Assuming
you have hit a good drive, a huge depression from which there
is no escape lurks to the left, while there is literally nowhere
to land your ball other than on the green.