The K Club Resort is a Golfer’s Paradise in Ireland
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The K Club Resort is a Golfer’s Paradise in Ireland
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Category: Europe - Ireland
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2011-09-05
Two Arnold Palmer Courses ~ Site of 2006 Ryder Cup
The exclusive, 5 Star K Club Resort, located on the banks of the River Liffey near the village of Straffan just 30 minutes from Dublin, is the 2011 European AA 5-Star Hotel of the Year. With sumptuous and historic interiors -- a portion of which date to 1832, superbly attentive service, and exquisite attention to detail, The K Club offers guests classic Irish hospitality in an Irish country house hotel.
The Kildare Hotel and Country Club, affectionately known as The K Club, drew international acclaim when it hosted the 36th Ryder Cup in September 2006. Already a well-known golfing destination having hosted 13 Smurfit European Opens (1991 – 2007), the eyes of the world were drawn to this magnificent resort to see the who’s who of the global golfing world take their place, center stage on the Arnold Palmer-designed Ryder Cup Course.
The Palmer Ryder Cup Course is recognized as one of Europe’s most dynamic golf courses. At every turn, fairway, cascading water feature or leafy, verdant space, a challenge ensues. The Ryder Cup Course is set around the mighty River Liffey, which flows through the 550-acre lush Kildare estate. Mature indigenous Irish trees carve their way around the fairways, towering overhead. Meanwhile, numerous water hazards and ‘beach-like’ bunkers lap the waters edge. Greens are lightening fast and too much action on these may lead to a ‘watery grave.’
The walk through the course is a joy, and a myriad of landmarks can be seen throughout, adding interest and surprises at every turn. A quaint 19th century iron bridge at the 16th hole provides players with safe passage to an emerald island, which is hugged by two watery arms of the River Liffey, while the ruins of an ancient church can be spotted as one approachs the 13th hole. Views of ‘Straffan House’ and the hotel can be seen through the trees at the 17th.
Ireland’s first AA Five Red Star Property is the original home of classic Irish hospitality. The hotel was awarded the prestigious title of AA Hotel of the Year for 2010/2011 and is testament to the management’s continual commitment to delivering the highest possible standards in product and service.
Not content with creating one internationally acclaimed Championship course, K Club owner, Dr. Michael Smurfit, called upon Arnold Palmer to design a second, stunning 18-hole course. The Palmer Smurfit Course is every bit as challenging as the Palmer Ryder Cup Course. While the Palmer Ryder Cup Course is generally described as a mature parkland course, the Palmer Smurfit Course is a surprisingly link-style course. Honey-colored grasses frame the fairways, rustling in the wind as it sweeps across steep bunkers, and meticulously contoured putting surfaces. A combination of doglegs skirt the water’s edge on the 5th and 6th hole leading up to the breathtaking signature hole, the 7th. On the Palmer Smurfit Course the 7th is a long and genuine three shooter. The magnetic feature is a ‘Swallow Quarry,’ a vast man-made rock face that rises 60 feet out of a lake. A series of waterfalls cascade the water hazard.
As on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course, the 18th is a Par 5, tempting the player to make a go for the green in two. The hole sweeps down and curves from left to right, a cluster of bunkers guard the right edge of the fairway and the approach to the finish must be performed on an island green.
Both courses are tantalizing, challenging and have a degree of difficulty to suit all levels. With two championship courses, offering 36 of the most exciting and dramatic holes in Europe, golf at The K Club is a truly unique experience.
The K Club also includes the luxurious K Spa, fishing on the River Liffey, numerous other resort activities, and a selection of superb dining experiences.
About The K Club
The K Club is a multifaceted resort set on 550 acres and on the banks of the River Liffey in Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland. Just 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City Centre the resort includes a 69-bedroom hotel which is this year’s AA Hotel of the Year; two Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf courses – The Palmer Ryder Cup Course and The Smurfit Palmer Course, The K Spa and several restaurants and bars. The resort has staged 13 European Opens and The Ryder Cup 2006.
Winner of several accolades for both its hotel and golf offerings, The K Club is renowned as one of the world’s premier golfing destinations. Other facilities and activities offered on site include conferencing, fishing, horse riding, archery, wine cellar and art & history tours. There is a dedicated Health and Fitness Club, the extraordinary K Spa, and a Kids Club which runs daily.
The magical setting of the resort, the magnificent grounds and stringent attention to detail and service has made the property a firm favorite with golfers, families, business travelers, spa goers and wedding couples. The K Club offers excellent value-added packages for the corporate, leisure and incentive markets.
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