Special Places - Killarney Golf and Fishing Club

The European PGA Tour touches down in one of Europe’s most westerly points as Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Co Kerry in Ireland’s south-west plays host to the 70th edition of the Irish Open Championship. The club was founded in 1893 and 44 years later moved to its current spectacular location in Mahoney’s Point adjacent to Lough Leane and the 10,000 hectare Killarney National Park. A second course, the Killeen, was added in 1972, with the Donald Steele designed Lackabane becoming the third layout in 2000.

The Killeen is the jewel in the crown and is the venue for the Irish Open for a fourth time after previously hosting the event in 1991, 1992 and 2010. In 1991 Nick Faldo held off Colin Montgomery to secure victory, and he won again the following year after a playoff against South Africa’s Wayne Westner. At the time Faldo described the Killeen as “a tough demanding course that is long, narrow and breezy”, and little has changed since then. The 6550 metre par 71 layout has thirteen par 4’s, three par 3’s and two par 5’s. Both par 5’s – one on each nine - are easily reachable for the longer hitters but accuracy will also be vital to avoid potential disaster.

The round starts with a 345m dogleg par 4 that has the lake skirting the entire right side from tee to green, and the fabulous lake views continue on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th holes. Looking from the tee, the green of the 156m par 3 10th is fronted by a lake that creeps up the sides giving the impression that you a playing onto the water. The 458m straightaway par 4 13th is affectionately known as the Tiger hole and usually plays as the most difficult on the course. With a very narrow fairway and a tight entrance to the small green that is almost surrounded by mature trees, length and control are at a premium. There are great views of the lake from all the closing holes and the dramatic and demanding 18th will be an even sterner test if the weather bares its teeth.

Defending champion Ross Fisher will be looking to continue the domination that has seen the three previous Irish Opens at Killarney won by Englishmen, whilst current major champions Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy will try to return the trophy to Irish hands.

Golfweather Editorial