Indeed The PGA National Ireland golf course is set to become one of the great golf courses on the European and Irish golfing maps and accolades have been bestowed upon it from many illustrious sources. Golf World magazine recently declared it to be one of the future stars of golf in Britain and Ireland while Backspin magazine unequivocally declared that ýA Legend is Borný.

The Pedigree of Palmerstown House has been further enhanced by the decision of The PGA to bestow upon it the title of PGA National Ireland and base their official Irish Headquarters here. This is the first time the PGA has given its name to a golf course in Ireland.

Currently the PGA family consists of PGA National at the Belfry and PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles.

The overall intention is that the PGA National at Palmerstown House will become the headquarters of the PGA for its many activities in Ireland. This will be a unique facility because there will only be one PGA National Golf course designated in Ireland. It is a further intention of the PGA to develop Palmerstown House into a centre of excellence for training existing and future professional golfers and this will be facilitated by the construction of a PGA Training Academy.

The criteria for choosing Palmerstown House was extremely rigorous and one of the key specifications used in the decision process was that the chosen golf course must be in the top ten golf courses in Ireland. Furthermore for Palmerstown House to be considered to be of equal stature to other world famous PGA courses such as Gleneagles and The Belfry is a wonderful accolade and a testament to the high quality of this golf course.

A Welcome Letter from Sandy Jones

It has been the ambition of the PGA for a number of years to create and develop a spiritual home for the PGA in Ireland where we could establish a centre of excellence for golf.

The criteria for choosing a suitable golf venue as our partner was rigorous and this meant that only a course deemed by experts to be in the top ten in Ireland would be considered.

From the start of our search it was clear that Palmerstown House met all of our requirements and quickly became our preferred choice. As you will hopefully experience for yourself the reasons for this were abundantly clear. Its location, the layout of the golf course, the facilities and the unique ambience of the setting all contributed to Palmerstown House being chosen.

The golf course at Palmerstown House is one of the best new courses I have visited in recent years and I believe it will not be long before it is hosting some of the world's most prestigious golf events. Palmerstown House is a welcome addition to the existing PGA family which includes Gleneagles in Scotlland and The Belfry in England. I believe the whole Palmerstown House experience is something that golfers will treasure for a lifetime.

Sandy Jones

Chief Executive, PGA

About The PGA

The PGA is the oldest organisation of its type in the world and the Association is very conscious of its position as a leader and proudly guards its claim that the words ýThe Professional Golfers Associationý shall at all times mean honesty, integrity, fair dealing and courtesy. Indeed the original founders of The PGA in 1901 were J H Taylor, Harry Vardon and James Braid and they are often commonly referred to as The Great Triumvirate. They are now part of golf folklore and there legacy continues to prosper.

One of the main aims of the Association is the training of its current members through the Continuing Professional Development Programme and also the training of future members through an intensive three year training programme. The PGA now has over 5,000 qualified professionals, who between them employ just under 1,000 registered trainees.

From its headquarters at The Belfry the association administers all aspects of its affairs and these include the training and further education of professional golfers and assistants, membership services and the organisation of tournaments at national level including the prestigious Ryder Cup (A joint venture between the PGA and the European Tour). The PGA also has seven regional headquarters located throughout Great Britain and Ireland that attend to members needs and organise their own tournament circuits.

Corporate days

PGA Nationalýs central location, excellent golf course and superb hospitality enables companies and groups to entertain their guests in salubrious surroundings and combine business with pleasure.

Golf days can be arranged to suit the individual requirements of your group or company. A standard day includes a round of golf played over our magnificent Championship Course and the day can be adapted to suit your individual requirements and can also include breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Organising a corporate or group outing can be a time consuming and frustrating task. At PGA National Ireland, we aim to make your job as easy as possible.

For all Golf Outings, we offer the following services as part of our management service;

ý Full Itineraryýs can be developed in association with yourself to ensure that the whole event runs seamlessly from start to finish

ý Golf Course Starter to provide visitors with a warm welcome on the 1st tee and call the order of play. They will be on hand to give advice on the course, local rules and general information

ý Our Course Ranger will be on hand all day to guarantee that all golfers maintain a reasonable pace of play, this will ensure that all golfers enjoy their game

ý Check-in Desk for group organisers to welcome their guests

ý Bag Drop Facility for all golfers on their arrival to the Golf Club

ý Advice on the format of your golf day will be given to suit your requirements depending on the ability of the golfers and the numbers involved. We will advise you on the number of tee times required to ensure your outing runs smoothly

The following additional services are also available and rates are available on request;

ý Course Exclusivity - For groups we can offer complete exclusivity on our championship golf course

ý VIP Gifts - Goodie bags can be provided for your group and these can be tailored to your exact requirements and budget. Our Golf Shop team can organise your company logo on many of our branded clothing items such as Marbas and Polo Ralph Lauren

ý Car Park Assistance - Our car park attendant and golf concierge will meet and greet your guests on arrival and help with bags and transportation.

ý On Course Catering - A beverage cart will be in operation everyday

ý Practice Facilities - PGA National offers a superb practice ground - the ideal place to warm up

ý Golf Tuition - Golf clinics can be pre organized for groups with our PGA Professional

ý Events Coordinator - Our experiences Events Coordinator will ensures the smooth running of your golf event

In addition our retail staff can offer expert advice on the selection of gifts and merchandise from the large range on offer.

On Day Group Management Service

At PGA National Ireland, we have a dedicated team of Golf Coordinators who are available on request to assist in the management of golf outings on the day. The services available to group organisers are as follows:

1. Scorecard Preparation

Scorecards will be prepared prior to your event with the completion of the date, name of the outing and the competition format. Names and handicaps will also be completed when this information is available.

2. Nearest the Pin

On a pre-determined par 3 hole an added incentive competition can be held to see which golfer from the group achieves the closest shot to the flag pin. Scoring pins are provided and our Golf Team ensures that all results are collated. Prizes can be purchased from our golf shop.

3. Longest Drive

On a pre-determined hole an added incentive competition can be held to see which golfer from the group has the longest drive off the tee. Again scoring pins are provided and the results are collated by our Golf Team. Prizes can be purchased from our golf shop.

4. Rules Administration

Our Golf Team is qualified in tournament administration and will run your golf day in accordance with the Royal and Ancient Rules of Golf. Any queries regarding handicaps, scoring, format or rules will be settled in accordance with these rules.

5. Tournament Desk

Our Golf Team will set up a Tournament Desk to register your golfers and provide any corporate gifts or information that needs to be distributed. The team will deal with any enquiries that your guests may have prior to tee off.

6. Scoring

The Golf Team will collect all scorecards from the players and check that all cards have been marked and completed correctly. A results sheet will be compiled and delivered to the group organizer prior to the prize giving ceremony.

Organisers who avail of this specialized service will enjoy the day knowing that their outing is being managed by a team of professionals. Your guests will enjoy tournament-style play on our championship courses.

The Course

The 7419 yard PGA National Ireland Golf Course gives its players a feeling of tradition, excellence and quality. The holes are set amidst thousands of mature trees that boast a variety of colour throughout all four seasons.

When you arrive, you soon realise that Palmerstown House has the capability to become a great course on the Irish and European golfing map. Every hole has its own individual charm and no two holes are similar. It is nearly impossible to pick a signature hole for Palmerstown House because every hole has its own individual charm.

Hole by hole

Hole 1

From the moment the golfer steps onto the tee box and looks down the fairway their eyes will be drawn to the superb shamrock shaped bunker on the left hand side of the fairway and the countless number of mature trees that surround this hole

Hole 2

The dogleg second sweeps gently to the left. With water and trees on the left and right of the fairway this hole highlights how the architects used the natural features of this great estate superbly.

Hole 3

You could be forgiven for getting distracted by the beautiful surroundings of this hole. This par 3 is awash with stunning flowers, trees and water.

Hole 4

This par four is as picturesque from the ground as it is from the air. The classical design philosophy used seamlessly incorporates a funnel of mature trees with a manicured fairway and an island green that is surrounded by a beautiful water feature.

Hole 5

The tee box of this hole is situated on an island that overlooks the old lake and golfers can see the beautiful old boat house to their right as they tee off.

Hole 6

The first par 5 on the course is an exquisitely designed hole. It seamlessly incorporates a meandering fairway, a large 13 acre lake that stretches the length of the hole, and a constellation of bunkers that adequately protect the three levelled green.

Hole 7

The fairway on this hole gently sweeps to the right and this green has affectionately become known as Christyýs fun green due to the myriad of slopes and undulations that make it a very exciting challenge

Hole 8

This hole will prove a challenge for even the most accomplished golfer as to successfully reach the green golfers must avoid a number of obstacles such as a Lake, a cluster of mature trees and well positioned bunkers.

Hole 9

Golfers will marvel at the grandeur of the panoramic view as they stand on this elevated green. This is a true feast for the eyes as they will be able to soak up the whole Palmerstown experience and gaze at the vast estate and also the beauty of the surrounding Kildare countryside. A breath taking finish to the front nine.

Hole 10

Set to become one of the most photographed golf holes in Ireland this par three has a large green that is dwarfed by the surrounding bunkers. A perfect example of the dedication and attention to detail given to the course during its construction, the green and bunkering took over one year to complete and perfect.

Hole 11

The 11th hole is beautifully framed by 100 year old trees and a stream on the right hand side of the fairway. The green is the largest on the course and may well be the home of numerous three putts.

Hole 12

The 12th hole is affectionately known as the rose garden due to the fabulous wall and the roses that run the length of this hole. The rose garden and the funnel of mature trees give a sense of the tradition and history of the estate and they add to the overall beauty of this hole.

Hole 13

The 13th hole ensures that the golfer must concentrate with every shot as eight strategically placed bunkers and a water feature that hugs the fairway will prove an adequate threat. As golfers approach the green they will be afforded magnificent views of the rolling pastures of the picturesque Kildare Countryside.

Hole 14

With a beautiful water feature that runs along the left hand side of this sweeping fairway and wonderful bunkering that is strategically placed, the overall effect is extremely pleasing on the eye. The well protected almost island green ensures concentration is paramount.

Hole 15

The fairway on this hole gently sweeps to the right and with a variety of fabulous old trees and a vast bunker that guards the green the overall effect is a very satisfactory experience.

Hole 16

The par five 16th will last long in the memory and you will be forgiven for thinking that there is more water on this hole than grass. Indeed the peninsula green is an extraordinary feature which is well guarded by water and a narrow S shaped fairway. A watery grave awaits the reckless golfer who fails to hit an accurate approach shot.

Hole 17

The penultimate hole is well protected by five fully mature trees that run along its left hand side and this coupled with the relatively narrow fairway will catch out the over zealous golfer.

Hole 18

This impressive and challenging finishing hole will give golfers their first glimpse of the clubhouse since the first hole. Golfers with a keen eye for detail will notice that there is a shamrock shaped sand trap similar to the one on the 1st hole. As with many holes on this course there is the ever present threat of water.

The Team

Course Designer - Christy OýConnor, Jnr

Christy OýConnor Junior is an Irish golfing legend whose golfing exploits and charisma has touched the hearts of golf enthusiasts globally. Indeed who can forget Christyýs contribution in the 1989 Ryder cup at the Belfry when he hit a magnificent two iron into the 18th green to secure a one up victory against Fred Couples and helped Europe to a 14-14 tie and retention of the Ryder cup.

While Christy OýConnor, Jnr, is undoubtedly best known for his golfing exploits on the course, over a short period of time he has also earned a formidable reputation as a golf course designer.

To date Christy has been involved in over 30 golf course design projects around the world. In Ireland he is best known for Galway Bay, Rathsallagh, Esker Hills, Headfort, Glasson and the two golf courses at Citywest Hotel. He believes that The PGA National Ireland at Palmerstown House has the potential to become one of Europeýs best courses and below is some of Christyýs quotes about this magnificent golf course.

ýIt has to be one of the best sites in the world and reminds me of going of through the gates of Augusta and up Magnolia Lane at the Mastersý

ýThe estate, with all the great racing thoroughbreds that have been produced here, is so steeped in history. It was probably one of the easiest jobs I have had to do. Beautiful mature trees, the lakes and bridges that were used as the entrance into the estate are incorporated into the golf course. It is a fantastic spectacle.ý