
Palmer South Course
The K Club
About this course
The K Club's Palmer South Course, also known as the Smurfit Course, opened in 2003 as a companion to the resort's original Palmer North layout. Arnold Palmer designed this parkland course on the estate's southern acreage, creating a routing that moves through mature woodland and along the River Liffey's tributaries. The terrain is relatively flat compared to the North Course, but Palmer incorporated water features on multiple holes and used the property's established trees to define playing corridors and frame strategic decisions. The course measures over 7,200 yards from the championship tees and features wide fairways that encourage aggressive play off the tee, though water hazards and greenside bunkering require precision on approach shots. Several holes play alongside streams and ponds, and the design emphasizes risk-reward opportunities where longer hitters can gain advantage by challenging carries or angles. The greens are large and contoured, typical of Palmer's design philosophy that rewards accurate iron play while allowing recovery options for skilled short game players. The Palmer South operates primarily as a resort course within The K Club property, which gained international recognition when the Palmer North hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup. While the South Course has not held major professional events, it serves as an alternative championship-length layout for members and resort guests. The club's facilities, including the manor house and spa, support both courses, and the estate setting along the Liffey maintains the parkland character that defines golf in County Kildare.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in Ireland
Best in Kildare
Quick facts
- Location
- Straffan, Kildare, IE
- Access
- Public
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Arnold Palmer
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,277 yards
- Difficulty
- 72.3/138
- Course Vaults score
- 7.7
Getting there
The journey to The K Club begins at Dublin Airport, a straightforward 45-minute drive southwest through the rolling green countryside of County Kildare. Private arrivals favor Weston Airport, a discreet executive facility just 20 minutes from the estate gates. The route traces the River Liffey's gentle meander, passing stone walls and hedgerows before turning onto the tree-lined avenue that leads to the ivy-clad manor house - a 19th-century estate that has quietly hosted Ryder Cups, heads of state, and those who prefer their luxury delivered with Irish understatement and impeccable service.

FAQ
Common questions about Palmer South at The K Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Palmer South at The K Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.7 out of 10 based on 16 logged golfers.
Palmer South was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Yes. Palmer South at The K Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Palmer South is 72.
Palmer South plays 7,277 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Palmer South is 138.



