This blog post is all about the Irish Open 2016.
Today I visited the K Club Hotel & Golf Course, County Kildare, Ireland, to watch the Pro-Am of this year’s Irish Open 2016 hosted by Rory McIlroy.
My friend and I drove two hours to enjoy the golf and good weather. I was in the midst of professional golfers and a few celebrities.
Golfers such as; Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Darren Clarke and Rory himself, and celebrities including; Niall Horan, Ireland rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll, racing legends AP McCoy, JP McManus and Ruby Walsh and actor Jimmy Nesbitt.
Between you and me, I might have only went to get a glimpse of Niall Horan.
This blog post is all about the Irish Open 2016.
The Irish Open 2016
Let’s talk about The K Club, because if you’re into luxury, history, and a bit of sporting drama, this place is the spot.
Nestled in the lush countryside of County Kildare, this five-star hotel and golf resort is all about grand manor house vibes, stunning landscapes, and top-tier golf.
Even if your golf knowledge doesn’t go beyond “it’s the one with the little white ball,” trust me, this place is worth knowing about!
But the real reason we’re here? The time the Irish Open 2016 took over the K Club, bringing all the excitement of pro golf to this iconic course.
And, of course, my own experience attending the Pro-Am tournament—because why not get a little closer to the action?
The K Club: A Five-Star Stay with Serious Golf Cred
First things first, the K Club Hotel is next-level luxury.
This isn’t just any countryside retreat; it’s a stunning 19th-century estate with plush rooms, an award-winning spa, and some of the best food and wine you’ll find in Ireland.
If you’re into long walks on perfectly manicured lawns, sipping champagne by an open fire, and just relaxing in pure elegance, this is the place for you.
But the real star of the show? The golf. The K Club is home to not one, but two championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer.
The Palmer North Course is the main event, hosting legendary tournaments like the 2006 Ryder Cup and, of course, the Irish Open 2016. Meanwhile, the Palmer South Course offers a slightly different challenge but is just as impressive.
Even if you don’t play golf yourself, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of such a world-class sporting destination. And trust me, when the Irish Open came to town in 2016, the atmosphere was next level.
The Irish Open 2016: A Weekend of Golf, Glam, and a Bit of Rain
Now, let’s talk about the Irish Open 2016, because this was a huge moment for Irish golf.
Hosted at the K Club in May 2016, the tournament brought some of the world’s best golfers to Kildare, all battling it out on the famous Palmer North Course.
Despite some classic Irish weather (read: rain), the event was incredibly exciting, with Rory McIlroy taking the win in dramatic fashion.
The final day saw him pull off an eagle on the 16th and a stunning approach shot on the 18th, securing his first-ever Irish Open victory. Iconic.
But beyond the pro tournament, the whole weekend was a celebration of golf, Irish hospitality, and great vibes.
Attending the Pro-Am Tournament: My Experience
Before the main event kicked off, I got the chance to attend the Pro-Am tournament. Which, honestly, was such a fun experience!
If you don’t know, the Pro-Am is where professional golfers team up with celebrities, athletes, and business figures for a more relaxed (but still competitive) round of golf.
It was such a cool way to see the K Club’s course up close. While also spotting a few famous faces.
The atmosphere was much more laid-back and fun, with plenty of laughs, some questionable golf swings from the amateurs, and a chance to see the pros in a more casual setting before the serious competition started.
For anyone thinking about attending a big golf event like this, the Pro-Am is a great way to experience it without the intense crowds of the final rounds. Plus, there’s always the chance of a celeb sighting!
Why You Need to Visit The K Club
So, whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or just here for the five-star countryside experience, The K Club is a must-visit. Here’s why:
Luxury Hotel Vibes: The five-star estate is pure elegance, with gorgeous interiors, an incredible spa, and fine dining. Perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Championship Golf Courses: Even if you’re not into golf, it’s pretty cool knowing you’re staying where the Irish Open 2016 and the Ryder Cup took place.
Breathtaking Countryside Setting: Located in County Kildare, the hotel is surrounded by stunning landscapes, the River Liffey, and plenty of outdoor activities like horseback riding and fishing.
A Piece of Sporting History: If you love sports, it’s worth visiting just to experience one of Ireland’s most iconic golf resorts. And if you ever get the chance to attend a future tournament or Pro-Am event, go for it. It’s such a fun way to soak up the atmosphere!
On the Outside Looking In
I was standing on the sidelines of the fairway on the outside of what was happening when I realised something. This is not where I wanted to be.
I didn’t want to be on the outside looking in, or just a spectator in the crowd. I wanted to be someone that knew someone. Someone with the right connections.
I wanted to be in with their crowd, someone important. In amongst the young teenage girls who may have never seen a golfball before in their lives until today, I felt irrelevant and to the likes of Niall Horan I probably blended in as another annoying, obsessed fan.
That’s not who I want to be.
My Future Hopes
In a few years time I want to be someone with a special pass to the clubhouse. Who can sit with the professionals and celebrities.
Being a nobody in the crowd gave me the motivation to really go after my career. And aim to be as successful as I can.
I can only dream that in the future I get an invite to the event or even get the opportunity to work at the competition. Or also work with the PR team of the Irish Open.
But that aside, I had a fabulous day walking around the gorgeous K Club in Kildare. And I also caught a few glimpses of Niall Horan in the process.
*fangirls*
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I am always thankful for those moments of motivation that remind me of what I want to become! Best of luck!!!(:
Thank you so much! I felt like I needed this to get me back on track with my goals for the future 🙂
Don’t lose that feeling!!(: