The K Club is hosting the Irish Open for the first time, having regularly staged the European Open and most famously, the Ryder Cup in 2006.
This week’s event will take place on the Ryder Cup Palmer Course as opposed to the resort’s other championship Smurfit Course and, measuring up to 7,350 yards, it will prove a true test this week, especially with inclement weather forecast over the coming days.
The course will reward risk-takers and accurate big hitters but will equally suit those who plot their way around the 18. Birdies should be plentiful but the huge amount of water throughout will ruin many a card this week.
So here’s a quick walkthrough of what is in store for the players from Thursday.
Hole 1: Bohereen Road – Par 4, 418 yards
A huge mass of water will grab the eyeline from the tee box but should not come into play on the opening hole, although Tiger Woods found it at the 2006 Ryder Cup. A fade up the right side of the fairway will leave a short iron in for an early birdie chance. Wayward to the right will see you chipping out sideways from the tree-lined rough.
Hole 2: The Tunnel – Par 4, 413 yards
Again, accuracy off the tee is paramount. As the name suggests, there is trouble on either side of this tight fairway. The massive front bunker will catch many with a front-left pin position.
Hole 3: The Island Beach – Par 3, 170 yards
First of the par-threes and a tricky approach to a shallow hourglass-shaped green. Club selection will be key if the wind is any way up or swirling. Water unlikely to be a factor but the front bunker will be well traipsed by Sunday.
Hole 4: Arnold’s Pick – Par 5, 568 yards
One of several signature holes on the course and, as the name suggests, designer Arnold Palmer’s favourite front-nine hole. The double dog-leg par five is the first of the risk-and-reward holes and the long-hitters can certainly reach in two. Beware the sand and the overhanging trees on this hole, especially those looking to capitalise with their length.
Hole 5: Square Meadow – Par 4, 440 yards
This tricky par-four requires a precise drive, preferably a draw up the left side of the fairway. Tough approach shot to an elevated green. Par always a good score on this hole.
Hole 6: The Liffey Stream – Par 4, 478 yards
You really need to be in position off the tee here to have a proper go at the green, which is flanked by the stream to the left. Wind can be a major factor on this hole and will catch players out with their approach.
Hole 7: Michael’s Favourite – Par 4, 430 yards
Stroke index 1, this intimidating par-four has water in play on both the tee shot and the approach. Finding the fairway is key here as the daunting approach to the green will test anything wayward. The front half of the green is surrounded by water, while there is also water behind for those looking for a bail-out area.
Hole 8: Mayfly Corner – Par 3, 173 yards
A truly picturesque par-three, with the River Liffey running the length of the right side of the hole. A snaking bunker is waiting for those thinking too much about the water to the right, while a positive approach can result in a good birdie chance.
Hole 9: The Eye of the Needle – Par 4, 461 yards
A long par-four, accuracy is needed off the tee due to the presence of a couple of very menacing trees that will obstruct anything wayward. Even with a precise drive up the left, the approach to the green is tricky.
Hole 10: Mick Holly – Par 5, 584 yards
The opening hole of the back nine is another that can be attacked by the big hitters. Lengthy green-side bunkers protect the narrow entrance to the green and can leave a tricky third shot, especially if there is a bit of distance to carry from the trap.
Hole 11: Lily Pond – Par 4, 415 yards
Dog-leg left on this tricky par-four, which requires a brave approach to the sloping green. Water to the left of the green will create doubts and cause mistakes.
Hole 12: The Domain – Par 3, 182 yards
Daunting par-three with a huge lake hugging the left side of the green. No real bail-out area either as bunker on the right will be equally terrifying, playing back across the green with water lurking.
Hole 13: Laurel Haven – Par 4, 428 yards
A good drive up the right can make this a pretty straightforward hole. Pin placements will be what makes it challenging this week with water in play on the right side of the green.
Hole 14: Church Fields – Par 3, 213 yards
Long, testing par-three with two big bunkers guarding the front-right of the green with water in play for those who drift left.
Hole 15: Pheasant Run – Par 4, 446 yards
Lengthy par-four that requires an accurate tee-shot. Uphill approach to a blind green will require an extra club to compensate.
Hole 16: Inish Moore – Par 5, 570 yards
This hole could make or break a lot of rounds as it is a real risk-and-reward par five with lots of hazards in play for those going for it in two. The large green will tempt the long hitters but a watery grave awaits anything short or right.
Hole 17: Half Moon – Par 4, 424 yards
A really pretty penultimate hole with water running the length of this par-four. A brave tee-shot will leave a short iron into the green, which could prove vital late in the round, especially at the weekend.
Hole 18: The Hooker’s Graveyard – Par 5, 537 yards
A superb finishing hole with a lot on offer in the closing stretch. A good drive will give you a really good look at the green in two but nerves will play a factor on Sunday afternoon.The grandstand will be expecting entertainment and excitement here, and with all that water to the left, it will deliver.
RTÉ Television and and RTÉ Player are broadcasting live from all four days of the Irish Open while there will also be a live blog on RTÉ.ie and updates/live coverage on RTÉ Radio.
