The Palmer South course is designed primarily as an inland links course, combining a variety of interesting landscapes with dune-style mounding and dramatic rock features throughout. This is an authentic championship golf course with a multitude of cleverly elevated vantage points for spectators to view golf pros at play. Palmer South has hosted some of golf’s most exciting moments, from the excitement of the 2004 Smurfit European Open when Retief Goosen went on to win just two weeks after taking his second US Open title, to the closing stages of the 2007 Smurfit European Open, when Colin Montgomerie finally ended his 18-month drought without a trophy and somehow stayed out of the water on the 18th to win the 2007 European Open by just one shot. Magical moments are created and forever remembered on Palmer South.

The course occupies a 150-acre site and greens have been constructed to USGA specifications. The front nine is routed anti-clockwise around the property's perimeter, holes 5 to 7 are bounded on the right by the River Liffey. Many consider the gravel-based fairways and sand-layered greens at Millicent to be the best drained in the province, allowing play even after the heaviest of rainfalls. A round on this delightful parkland course begins with a pair of par fives, both of which have out of bounds down the right-hand side of the fairways. The 5th seems an easy short par four when examining the scorecard yardage beforehand but on the tee, golfers will be only too aware of the danger that lurks in the pond to the right of the landing area! The signature hole at Millicent Golf Club is sandwiched between two mighty par fives at holes 16 and 18 – and those holes supply quite a sting in the tail to the round as they are designated stroke index 1 and 3! The 198-yard, par three, 17th splits them and it is played over a pond to a small putting surface with big bunkers at the back to catch those who overclub to avoid water at the front of the green.

An American-style course laid out on a relatively tight 110 acre site, though it can play as long as 6743 yards, with plenty of ponds to keep you on your toes throughout (water comes into play at no fewer than 13 holes) and large, contoured greens that will test your putting skills to the full. The 366-yard 7th is the shortest of ten par fours on the scorecard but it’s far from easy to pick up a par here. The hole doglegs slightly left so the ideal drive is down the right side of the fairway, leaving an approach to an elevated green surrounded by bunkers. The last of the par three holes comes at the 18th and it’s a 176-yard carry from the back tee across water to a green with bunkers at the front and back, out of bounds to the left and even more water to the right!

The Arnold Palmer designed Palmer North is renowned as one of Europe’s most spectacular courses. It has its charms and its challenges, enticing players to bring out the very best in their game. While it may be unlikely that you will be asked to tackle the course from the championship tees, this should in no way diminish the excitement of pitting your wits against Arnold Palmer, as this is precisely what you are doing. Ranked regularly in the top three parkland golf courses in Ireland, this golf haven is a must-play course that has hosted the top golf players in the world. The Ryder Cup in 2006, the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open where Rory McIlroy played the European Tour Shot of the Year and eleven European Opens testify to the importance of Palmer North to European golf.