Palmer North at The K Club

The Palmer North course at The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, opened in 2003 as the resort's second championship layout, designed by Arnold Palmer to complement his earlier Palmer South course (formerly known as the Ryder Cup course). The property sits along the River Liffey in the Irish countryside west of Dublin, with the North course routed through mature parkland featuring specimen trees, water features, and relatively flat to gently rolling terrain characteristic of the Kildare landscape.

Palmer's design incorporates strategic water hazards on several holes, with the Liffey and constructed lakes coming into play. The routing takes advantage of the estate's natural woodlands and open meadows, creating a parkland experience distinct from links golf but shaped by Irish weather conditions. The course measures over 7,200 yards from the championship tees and features wide fairways that narrow at strategic landing zones, with well-bunkered greens that reward accurate approach play.

The K Club, housed in a restored 19th-century manor house, operates as a luxury resort with extensive facilities. While the Palmer South course hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup and receives most championship attention, the North course serves as a complementary layout for resort guests and members. The club maintains both courses to high standards, with the North offering a somewhat more relaxed round while still presenting legitimate challenge from the back tees. The estate's mature landscaping and riverside setting provide the scenic backdrop common to Ireland's parkland courses.