This problem from a reader named William fell squarely under the “oddly specific” category. At first, I was stumped, but I started to realise where he was going with it as I read on …

Hey Chris-

Where do you stand on someone sitting in the golf cart during a round? Is it okay to sit in the cart:

While waiting for others to tee off before your turn? (Pretty obvious, not okay.)

After you have teed off while you wait for others in your foursome to tee off? (Another obvious no.)

On the course while your cart buddy is hitting an approach shot? (My weird take, probably okay to stay in the cart if you are driving, get out and watch if you are the rider.)

On the course while players riding in the other cart are hitting their approach shots? (I would say situational depending on how close your previous or next shot comes from and if they need help “spotting” their ball if there is a blind spot.)

Is there a special exemption for dropping off the person riding in your cart and driving over to your ball to play “ready golf”? (Again situational, example, the other person taking a wedge and putter and walking to meet you by the green.)

You get the idea, when is it okay to stay seated in the golf cart and when is that considered inappropriate?

By the way, I think we can all agree that staying in the cart while everyone else looks for a lost ball is an unforgivable sin and will, at some point, be punished by the golf gods!

Thanks!

-William from Piqua, Ohio

All of these questions, of course, hinge on you riding in a cart. So, to the woke walkers who, much like marathon runners, have to remind you every 0.2 seconds that they walk and carry their own bag when they play golf, please, please save it. Please do not come at me with “just walk and all these problems are solved.” I am begging you to shut up. In this scenario, everyone’s riding, a very common thing for weekend hackers.

Let’s address Will’s final point now – if you sit in the cart while three other people look for a lost ball, you should be buried under the jail. There is no situation where that is acceptable, unless you have received a call about a family emergency. Other than that, get your ass out of the cart and help. You can even fake it. We all have a buddy who can’t accept that his ball is long gone. But you can still fake it for three-to-four minutes, maybe find a ProV1 for yourself, or for your buddy to ease the pain of his lost Vice. As long as you make it look like you sort of tried, you’ve done your duty.

Now, for Will’s numerous other scenarios … I’ll be honest, I can’t say I’d even given any of them a second thought. But now that I have, I’ll do my best to answer.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: While waiting for others to tee off before your turn? (Pretty obvious, not okay.)

This one is very dependent on just how close the tee box is to the carts. If it’s a par 3 and the carts are a few feet from the box, I have no issue with this. You want to get a little sit in, maybe sip on your beer in the shade, check the status of the match, etc. No big deal. As long as you pop right out and hit in a reasonable amount of time when it’s your turn, this isn’t that egregious. However, if it’s an elevated tee box, maybe with some stairs, and it’s a semi-long walk to the markers, if you’re sitting in the cart while everyone’s up there until it’s your turn, yes, you should probably be hung in the town square.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: After you have teed off while you wait for others in your foursome to tee off? (Another obvious no.)

Basically the same answer as the one above. Par 3, close proximity, no problem. Far away from everyone and you’re just hitting and walking over to the cart to be alone, yeah, that’s a little weird. Sounds like Will is playing with guys that simply don’t want to be around each other or don’t like seeing everybody rip driver and say “ohhhh he tagged that” together. Sad bunch.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: On the course while your cart buddy is hitting an approach shot? (My weird take, probably okay to stay in the cart if you are driving, get out and watch if you are the rider.)

Yeah this is perfectly normal. I might get out to shoot a yardage for a buddy, especially if we’re on the same squad in a match. Maybe talk strategy. But I’ll probably end up back in the cart before he strikes it. Completely fine.

Is it okay to sit in the cart: On the course while players riding in the other cart are hitting their approach shots? (I would say situational depending on how close your previous or next shot comes from and if they need help “spotting” their ball if there is a blind spot.)

One thing that often does upset me about riding is it often seems like, while you’re playing together as a foursome, the other two guys are off doing their own thing and you’re doing the same. You still get the tee box camraderie on each hole, but then everyone’s off on their own little journey. Then again, this can be the case for walkers, too, especially if somebody in the group hits a big hook and the other guys hit banana fades. In the interest of pace of play, everybody should be getting to their balls/next shot as soon as possible, whether walking or riding. There will be plenty of time together on the tee boxes, on the greens and sometimes in the fairways provided everyone’s hitting it straight on the same hole. For the holes where the group is playing Army golf, you’re all on your own. In which case, yes it’s fine to sit in the cart at your ball while the cart behind you is on the other side of the fairway playing their shots.

Is there a special exemption for dropping off the person riding in your cart and driving over to your ball to play “ready golf”? (Again situational, example, the other person taking a wedge and putter and walking to meet you by the green.)

Yes, 100 percent. In fact, I actually prefer to reverse it. I like leaving the cart with my cart-mate by their ball and then walking over to my ball, sometimes with the club I know I’m going to hit, but sometimes without, as I know they’ll be driving over to me right after. But at least I’m there thinking about what I’m going to potentially hit, I’ve paced off the yardage, and I’m mostly ready when they get to me. As for wedge and putter situation, yes, you should always split up in those situations, whether it’s dropping a guy off or leaving them with the cart and walking up yourself.

I think the main crux of all these questions is – are you being disrespectful by not standing at attention and watching every single shot from everyone in the group? And the answer to that is no, you’re not. I think if it’s late in a money match, you of course want everyone to be engaged, but there are still going to be plenty of situations where you hit and your opponent isn’t sitting front row for it. Ultimately, everyone’s No. 1 focus is their own game, their own ball, their own next shot. As long as you’re not being a mood-killing miserab, there are plenty of situations where it’s OK to sit in the cart when other people are hitting. Or OK to go to your ball and be ready to play.

But it is never OK to sit in the cart while everyone’s looking for a ball. On that, we agree, William.

Do you have a “stupid” golf problem? A question you’re too ashamed to ask your close friends? A conundrum that needs to be talked out in a public forum? We’re here to help. If you have etiquette-related inquiries or just want to know how to handle some of the unique on- or off-course situations we all find ourselves in, please let us know. You can email me (chris.powers@wbd.com) or send me a DM on Twitter/X (@Cpowers14) or on Instagram (@cpthreeve).

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Formerly known as the Dubai Golf Trophy, the season-ending event once again brought together the UAE’s leading amateur and professional golfers following another Emirates PGA and Emirates Golf Federation season.

The result continues a strong run for the Amateur side, who have retained control of the long-standing competition in recent editions through a combination of experienced players and emerging talent from across the UAE golfing community.

Round one began on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where high temperatures provided an early challenge during the morning foursomes matches. The Amateur team made a strong start, taking a 5-3 lead through a series of closely contested results.

Among the notable performances, Alexander Rushika and Sam Mullane edged out Jackson Bell and Jan Hejna 1 up, while Thomas Stephenson and Dominic Morton also secured a 1 up victory over Paul Shields and Tom Ogilvie. Adrian Larsson and Victor Larsson recorded one of the largest winning margins of the session with a 4&3 result against Matt Brookes and Tom Hanson.

The Amateurs maintained their lead during the afternoon fourball matches despite a response from the Professionals. Louis Thorne and Mikhail Pinto secured a 5&3 victory, while Jay Mullane and Lauri Paasilinna added another point through a 4&3 win.

The Professionals reduced the deficit late in the day, leaving the overnight score at 8.5-7.5 in favour of the Amateur team.

Monday’s singles matches at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club saw windy conditions add further difficulty throughout the day. The Professionals started strongly, with Professional Captain Sujjan Singh defeating Mikhail Pinto 5&4, while Paul Shields secured a 3&2 victory over Alexander Rushika.

The Amateur side responded through several important results, including Adrian Larsson’s 4&3 victory against Matt Rice and Sam Mullane’s 3&1 win over David Gray. Jay Mullane also secured a narrow 1 up win against Jackson Bell.

The Professionals continued to apply pressure through victories from Tom Ogilvie, Damien Scott and Faycal Serghini, while Stephen Wilson and Luke Challis halved their match to leave the overall score tied at 16-16 and confirm the Amateur team retained the Viya Golf Trophy title under tournament rules.

Alongside the main event, the Ladies Challenge Match saw the Professional pairing of Lea Pouillard and Priyanka Parmar secure a 4&3 foursomes victory over Alayna Rafique and Sana Tufail at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Professionals responded during the matches at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, with Sana Tufail defeating Priyanka Parmar 5&3 and Lea Pouillard securing a 2&1 victory over Alayna Rafique. The ladies fourball match finished tied, resulting in the Professional team winning the Ladies Challenge Match 2.5 to 1.5.

The 27th edition of the Viya Golf Trophy once again brought together many of the UAE’s leading amateur and professional golfers to conclude the 2025-2026 season.

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A record-breaking 252 members teed it up across a newly redesigned Championship format. With competitors faced both the Fire and Earth courses each day, all aiming to be crowned Club Champion.

Following a tightly contested opening round, the leaderboard remained wide open heading into the final day. However, Stephenson took control with a blistering start, recording two birdies and an eagle in his opening seven holes to build a commanding four-shot advantage.

From there, he navigated the back nine blemish-free. Rounds of 71 on Fire and an outstanding 67 on Earth saw him finish at 6-under-par, with a winning total of 138.

Stephenson said, “I would like to thank the Golf Operations team here at Jumeirah Golf Estates for making this weekend possible. It is my favourite competition in the calendar, so thank you very much for everything you do to make it happen. I would also like to thank the Agronomy Team for producing two immaculate golf courses day in, day out. Your work really doesn’t go unnoticed.”

Louis Thorne, who shared the overnight lead, produced a steady performance to secure second place, finishing at level par with a total of 144 after rounds of 70 and 74.

Alayna Rafique

In the Ladies Gross Division, Alayna Rafique secured victory with a total of 150, while Tanya Harrison finished in second place.

Pontus Fredriksson

Pontus Fredriksson claimed the Seniors Division title with a consistent total of 149, with James Finnigan finishing runner-up.

The Men’s Net Division saw Oliver Wood edge a closely contested battle, winning with a total of 134, just one shot ahead of Andrew Dawber.

In the Ladies Net Division, Sara Chadwick held her nerve in one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes to win with a total of 145, narrowly ahead of Yekaterina Sales.

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Players took full advantage of the course conditions, resulting in a closely contested leaderboard and an exciting finish across both Gross and Net divisions.

In the Gross category, Paul McMahon and Tom Neale produced a superb round of 61 (-11) to claim top honours, demonstrating consistency and strong teamwork throughout their round. 

Meanwhile, the Net Division proved particularly competitive, with the father and son duo of Dan Baxter and Felix Baxter securing third place after an impressive 59 (-13), a score that would have been enough to contend for top spot on many occasions.

The battle for the top two positions came down to the finest of margins, with Louis Pearson and Marc Begg posting an outstanding 58 (-14) to take runner-up position on countback. Matching that score, Olly Collis and Chelsea Western delivered a composed and high-quality performance to also finish at 58 (-14), ultimately securing victory on countback and being crowned champions of the April Jumeirah Pairs.

Adding to the day’s excitement, the Nearest the Pin contests showcased individual moments of brilliance, with Manuel Baierlacher claiming the prize on the 6th hole and Men’s Captain Carl Downham producing a fine shot to win on the 13th hole. Tommy Fleetwood Academy Professional Brandon Moodley produced an amazing shot that was only beat by 8 competitors across the afternoon. Congratulations to Stephen Louis for taking home the prize.

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Hess secured the Men’s Club Championship title with rounds of 73 and 73 for a two-over-par total of 146. A former junior member at the club, his victory represents a full-circle moment and underlines the strength of The Els Club’s player development pathway.

In the Ladies’ Championship, 18-year-old Maturi successfully defended her title to become a two-time Club Champion. She carded rounds of 80 and 82 to finish on 161 (+18), continuing her upward trajectory as one of the club’s most promising young players.

The 2026 edition of the Club Championships drew a strong field of 125 members, with challenging course conditions, ensuring a stern test across both rounds.

Alongside the headline winners, several other titles were decided over the weekend:

2026 Club Championship Winners:

Men’s Club Champion: Ali Hess (73 + 73 = 146)

Ladies Club Champion: Lucia Maturi (80 + 82 = 161)

Senior Club Champion: Yves Buchard (76 + 82 = 158)

Junior Club Champion: Adrian Larsson (76 + 71 = 147)

Men’s Handicap Cup Winner: Luke Challis (75 + 77 = 152 *CB)

Ladies Handicap Cup Winner: Angela Kadyan (76 + 73 = 149)

Senior Handicap Cup Winner: Carl Saunders (76 + 73 = 149)

Junior Handicap Cup Winner: Thomas Wylie (72 + 76 = 148)

The championships once again highlighted the depth of talent within the club, with both experienced competitors and emerging juniors making their mark across the divisions.

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“I think it’s a miracle that my ball stayed there,” Marin said. “I just kind of have to make par and walk away out of here because this just happens once.”

Marin did get up and down for par at 12 and shot a final-round four-under-par 68 for a come-from-behind win in the seventh Augusta National Women’s Amateur. She opened with rounds of 65 and 69 at Champions Retreat and set a record for the lowest score in championship history at 14 under. Marin’s playing partner for the day, Spain’s Andrea Revuelta, was the solo runner-up while being in a group of five players at the top of the board who shot 68.

Star amateur Asterisk Talley had a one-shot lead heading into the final round and played well to maintain that lead through 10 holes. Then the 17-year-old made a bogey on the 11th (her first bogey in the tournament) and a shocking 7 on the 12th when she twice hit into the water out of the back greenside bunker. (The Californian ended up shooting 75 and tying for fourth at eight under.)

All of a sudden, Marin had a four-shot lead, and she secured a win in one of the most prestigious events in amateur golf. Beyond her good fortune at 12, the 19-year-old birdied the par-5 13th, suffered a bogey at the par-5 15th, and bounced back with a birdie at the par-3 16th.

The reigning NCAA champion out of Arkansas said she felt like she’d won it with her play at Amen Corner.

Maria Jose Marin plays her second shot from the bank in front of the 12th green. David Cannon

“One of the signs was the ball staying on that ridge on 12,” Marin said. “I’ve never seen a ball stay there, and I think it was just God holding the ball there, like, ‘Don’t move. This is happening for something.’ I think getting into the green on 13 [in two shots to make birdie], that was another sign. I stayed out of my strategy, and it worked out perfect.”

When Marin made the winning putt on the 18th hole, she raised her right arm. She’d been smiling a lot during her round at Augusta. Then there were lots of hugs and tears with her family, coaches and friends.

She made the victorious walk from the 18th to the clubhouse with her arm around her 10-year-old brother, Emilio.

“It meant a lot,” Emilio said. “She was spectacular.”

Emilio is a golfer as well, and it was as much a win for him and the entire Marin family. Farah O’Keefe, a University of Texas golfer who missed the cut but was a fan on Saturday, hugged Emilio and said, “Congratulations, little man.”

It’s a win for Colombians and the golf community, and some of those fans carried mini flags of their home country. Marin, who is part Mexican as well, was proud to become the first Colombian—man or woman—to win at Augusta. She is the third consecutive foreign player to win the ANWA title, with England’s Lottie Woad winning in 2024 and Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder last year.

Maria Jose Marin with her father Jose Marin after winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Hector Vivas

“Representing Columbia will always be the greatest pride I have,” Marin said. “Knowing I have their full support makes my heart warm and means the world to me.”

Along with Bernat Escuder being on hand to cheer for her, there was tour pro Maria Fassi, a fellow Arkansas alum and mentor (who finished second in the first ANWA in 2019), and Razorbacks coach Shauna Taylor. When the round was over, Bernat Escuder wasn’t so sure Marin got her due after winning the 2025 NCAA Championship as a sophomore. She joins Jennifer Kupcho (2019) and Rose Zhang (2023) as an NCAA and ANWA champions.

“It’s very cool to see her win,” Bernat Escuder said. “After she won the NCAAs, she didn’t get any major invites that I thought she should’ve. She works very hard, and it’s cool to see another Spanish speaker win here.”

Marin won’t be ignored after winning ANWA, a title that could change her career. She earned automatic exemptions into four professional majors this year—the Chevron Championship, U.S. Women’s Open, AIG Women’s Open and Evian Championship.

Those photos of her smiling around the course and kissing the championship trophy will last forever, too. It was a dream realised, one that truly took shape when she came to the U.S. for the summer to play in five junior events as a 14-year-old. Fast forward to a win at Augusta five years later.

“My emotions the whole round were a roller coaster. I didn’t start that solid. I was looking at the leaderboard, and Asterisk was already making a move,” Marin said. “But I just reminded myself that I had to stay really, really patient because anything can happen out here. When that last putt sank in, I just thought to myself, ‘Well, I made it. All of my hard work has paid off, and I’m just extremely proud of myself.’”

Her comeback was a lesson in perseverance. She played in three previous ANWA tournaments, but hadn’t played well at Augusta National. She shot 76 and 78 in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and missed the cut last year. One of the things that changed was her caddie, Darren Woo. He’s a local firefighter and caddied for Marin in a recent practice round Champions Retreat. She used him instead of her dad, Jose, as she had in years past. Then there was her approach to the tournament.

“Of course I was nervous today, but I was extremely nervous my last three times that I played here,” Marin said. “My golf was in a good spot, but it was not like I was totally in control of it. I think I just got a little desperate in past years trying to force things out here, and that’s one of the things that you can’t do here. You can’t force things. You just have to just be smart, stick to your strategy, and let the birdies come.”

She made six birdies on Saturday, including four on the front nine.

“This is only going to help me boost my confidence. I think every time I’m having a hard time or kind of a low in my golf, just remind myself that I was able to do this and I was able to overcome all the pressure,” Marin said. “That means winning at Augusta. And just using it in my favour to just keep working hard and never giving up.

“As I said yesterday, inspiring younger generations for me is always going to be my main goal, and all of the little girls and little boys watching me back home, it’s great to have them watching because that’s what I wanted to accomplish one day.”

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His superb total of 41 Stableford points secured the title in style, capping a memorable performance and earning him well-deserved recognition as this year’s champion.

Welcoming a competitive field of players from across the United Arab Emirates, the annual championship once again showcased the depth of senior golf in the region, with impressive scoring across all divisions.

Finishing just behind Elgaddafe on the same 41-point tally was Ajaz Ahmed. After matching the winning score with an excellent round of his own, Ahmed was narrowly edged into second place following a countback, underlining just how tightly contested the championship proved to be. Third place went to Suresh Shewakramani, whose consistent play throughout the round saw him post a commendable 39 points.

In the Super Senior Division (60+), Vikar Mustafa produced a strong and steady display to claim top honours with 38 Stableford points. Runner-up in the category was former SGSC Club Captain Shaheen Butt, who carded 35 points to secure second place.

The Gross Division title was awarded to low-handicapper Anuj Anand, whose composed round of 30 gross points earned him the distinction of 13th SGSC Senior Open Gross Champion.

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The championship was held from 9 to 11 January 2026 at Kaya Palazzo Golf Club in the Belek district of Antalya, with a total of 60 amateur golfers competing, comprising 49 men and 11 women.

In the men’s championship, Richard Teder secured the title with a gross score of 204, 12 under par. Ibrahim Tarik Aslan finished second on 209, seven under, while Dylan Shaw Radford claimed third spot, also posting a gross score of 209, seven under.

In the women’s championship, Deniz Sapmaz claimed the title with a gross score of 225, nine over par. Sude Bay finished second on 226, 10 over, with Zeynep Süalp taking third place after signing for a gross score of 228, 12 over.

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“Keep that foot on the gas.” That’s the message that five-time PGA Tour winner Harris English had been texting 18-year-old Mason Howell all week as Howell advanced through match play at the U.S. Amateur. On Sunday at The Olympic Club’s Lake Course, Howell ruthlessly applied the advice from his longtime mentor as he defeated the University of Tennessee’s Jackson Herrington, 7 and 6, to win the Havemeyer Trophy.

With the victory, Howell, a rising high school senior and verbal commit to Georgia, became the third youngest winner in the 125 editions of the U.S. Amateur, taking over a spot previously held by Tiger Woods.

“It’s been such a great week, and to have my name next to these other names on this trophy is unbelievable,” said Howell, who with the win earned an automatic exemption onto the U.S. Walker Cup team for next month’s match at Cypress Point. “To be ahead of Tiger in something, that’s something that not a lot of people can say, so it’s awesome.”

It’s fitting that Howell won in such a commanding fashion, taking a 4-up lead after the morning 18 holes and quickly extending it as he began the afternoon round in the 36-hole championship match. After all, Howell didn’t need English to tell him to keep his foot on the gas—it’s something that Howell has been trained to do for years at Glen Arven Country Club in Thomasville.

In addition to Howell, the club in South Georgia is home to numerous Division I golfers and elite players, including 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megan Schofill, recent Alabama transfer Brycen Jones, incoming freshman at Georgia JD Culbreth, Howell’s caddie and high school golf coach Jimmy Gillam, and many more.

“We have some great matches out there. It’s intense. We like to make it worth our while,” Howell said about the group. “It’s all props to Bill Connally, the director of golf out there, he’s our coach for all of us, and he’s built what we’ve become today.”

It was in one of those groups with Schofill and Jones back when Howell was just 14 years old that his father, Robert, recalls as the moment he knew his son was a really special player. After dropping his son off at the course on a Saturday morning, Robert reminded Mason that the parents had dinner reservations that night, and he would need to be done by 5:30 p.m. After 5:30 passed and no sign of his son ready to leave, Robert got a text.

“I shot 28 on the front, can I finish?” Mason texted.

Dad cancelled the reservation, watched his son play the back nine and finish with a 59, the course record at Glen Arven … at 14 years old.

Mason Howell plays his second shot on the 24th hole during the finals of the 2025 U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club. Chris Keane

Howell started playing the game around age three and entered his first junior tournament at six, but he enjoyed playing many other sports from a young age as well, including basketball, baseball and tennis. But golf was always number one. “He used to curl up in my lap when he was a little kid and watch it,” Robert said. “He was always fascinated.”

Howell’s game progressed but was further elevated at age 12 when he began working with Connally, who was also the childhood instructor of English and PGA Tour winner and current LIV golfer Hudson Swafford. The technical refinements, paired with frequent gambling games around Glen Arven, helped shape Howell into the player and tough competitor the golf world saw on Sunday.

“He really learned how to get it around by gambling,” Connally said. “You learn how to play, or you learn how to pay. He’s good at not taking his foot off the pedal and at the same time not wrecking the car.”

Regularly a high finisher in top junior events, Howell has taken his game to another level in 2025, starting with a high school individual state title in the spring, followed by shooting 63-63 to co-medal at Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open. Though he missed the cut at Oakmont, Howell regrouped to earn medalist honours in the U.S. Junior Amateur a few weeks ago. The week ended early for the top seed, however, as Howell lost in the first round.

Entering this week, Howell admitted he was in a bit of a “match-play funk,” but it was conversations with Gillam that led to a more disciplined, patient approach at The Olympic Club.

“I knew from the first time I met him that he was special,” said Gillam, who in addition to being his caddie and high school golf coach is also Howell’s short-game instructor. “He’s such a hard worker, and he’s always focused. He doesn’t get wrapped up in the success. He squashes it, he moves on to the next tournament, and it’s just rinse and repeat.”

An excellent player himself with a plus-six handicap, Gillam points to their frequent matches as further evidence of Howell’s level. “He’s honestly the first guy in my life that I’ve ever had to get shots from. I’m a plus-six handicap and he’s giving me one a side on the front, which probably leads to two on the back. The last time I beat him was before he qualified for the U.S. Open. We’ve probably played 10 times since.”

Howell’s breakout year in 2025 is the result of a more refined style of play. The 6-foot-4 bomber has had no issues with clubhead speed since his six-inch growth spurt a few years ago, but with Connally and Gillam, Howell has learned how to better flight iron shots, chip from the deep rough common around championship setups, and adopt a fairway-finder off the tee. Those have no doubt been crucial to his on-course success this year, but Howell added a final variable.

“I felt like I always had [the game], it was self-belief. I needed to walk with some confidence, and that would translate to good golf and staying positive,” Howell said. “Overall, I’ve always known I’ve had it, it’s just really unlocking it.”

Consider it unlocked.

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Tralee Golf Club, Ireland

“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best collegiate golfers to Tralee Golf Club to play boldly and honour the legacy of Arnold Palmer,” said Amy Palmer Saunders, board chair of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. “In addition to introducing the next generation of young golf talent, this tournament celebrates camaraderie, honour and integrity – the qualities of good character that make a true champion.”

Tralee Golf Club, perched dramatically on the Atlantic cliffs at West Barrow near Tralee, County Kerry, is one of Ireland’s premier championship links courses. Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this jewel of Irish golf offers an unparalleled playing experience that blends natural beauty with a world-class challenge.

Since Tralee Golf Club moved to its current location at Barrow in October 1984, Tralee has occupied a site perfectly suited to links golf, featuring towering dunes, undulating fairways, and cliff-top tees with breathtaking ocean views. The front nine rolls along the cliffs, with standout holes like the dramatic par‑5 second and the picturesque par‑3 third. The back nine winds through rugged dunes, offering a thrilling challenge with holes like the unforgettable 16th and a dramatic finishing stretch on the back nine.

As the first European course designed by Arnold Palmer, Tralee holds a special place in Palmer’s legacy. Palmer famously remarked, “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine,” a reflection of the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the terrain. A statue of Palmer by noted sculptor Zenos Frudakis stands near the first tee, honouring Palmer’s vision and contributions to the game. (A twin statue stands in front of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Penn.)

Tralee consistently ranks among the world’s finest links courses, captivating players with its unique setting, memorable holes, and raw coastal beauty. It is widely recognised as a must-play for golf travellers and a cornerstone of any golf itinerary in Ireland.

 

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“We are absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to host the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup at Tralee Golf Club,” said Chairperson Brian Mehigan. “This prestigious event is a perfect match for our world-renowned links, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best collegiate players to our spectacular course on the Atlantic.”

General Manager Maurice O’Meara added, “It’s a privilege for our club to play a part in continuing Arnold Palmer’s incredible legacy. We eagerly anticipate showing players, coaches, and fans from around the world the warmth of our welcome and the unforgettable challenge of links golf at Tralee.”

In addition to its world-class course, Tralee Golf Club offers outstanding facilities including a state-of-the-art practice academy featuring advanced training technology, a par-3 short course, indoor simulator, and a driving range. The clubhouse offers panoramic views and fine dining, creating an experience as refined off the course as it is on it.

Founded in 1896 and relocated to its current home in 1984, Tralee Golf Club has evolved into one of Ireland’s most distinguished golf venues. With over 1,300 members and a warm welcome extended to international visitors, the club is renowned for its rich history, dramatic setting, and unwavering commitment to the game of golf.

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The post Ireland’s Tralee Golf Club to host 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.