The 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup will take place July 3-5 at Ireland’s Tralee Golf Links, marking the 30th staging of the event. This prestigious Ryder Cup style competition introduces the next generation of golf talent, and the 2026 venue at Tralee Golf Links is a stunning and challenging world-class links course.
NEXT GENERATION TALENT
Founded in 1997, the Arnold Palmer Cup features U.S. men’s and women’s collegiate golfers playing side-by-side against a team of their International counterparts in a series that Team USA leads all-time 15-13-1.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best collegiate golfers to Tralee Golf Links to play boldly and honor the legacy of Arnold Palmer,” said Amy Palmer Saunders, board chair of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.
Longtime Arnold Palmer partner Rolex will continue its more than 50-year relationship with the brand through support of the matches. Nike will be the exclusive footwear, apparel, headwear, and glove supplier of the Arnold Palmer Cup,
A WORLD CLASS CHALLENGE
Tralee Golf Links, 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 Links 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 breath-taking 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.
BUILDING A LEGACY
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.
More than a showcase of golf skill, the Arnold Palmer Cup acknowledges and rewards character as well, in line with the principles of its founder and the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. Arnold and Winnie Palmer championed causes that were not just about golf, but possible because of golf. They devoted their time away from the game to philanthropy — focused especially on young people — and created a model for other modern athletes to use their influence in service to others. The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation continues the Palmer tradition of impactful philanthropy by uniting the generosity of golfers and fans everywhere to make a difference. The Arnold Palmer Cup is part of the foundation’s missions to promote youth character development and foster the growth of amateur/collegiate golf. For more information, please visit arnoldpalmercup.com.
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, Pennsylvania.)
ONE OF THE WORLD’S FINEST
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 recognized as a must-play for golf travellers and a cornerstone of any golf itinerary in Ireland.
In addition to its world-class course, Tralee Golf Links 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.
Kerry looks forward to welcoming world-class collegiate players to Tralee Golf Links this July!
For more information, visit www.arnoldpalmercup.com