Ryder Cup Course at the K Club near Dublin: Come and play a real Ryder Cup golf course

STRAFFAN, County Kildare, Ireland -- The Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club, located 30 minutes outside Dublin, will always be a historic parkland playground for golfers.

The 2006 Ryder Cup was dominated by the Europeans, who were motivated to play for Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, who lost his wife to cancer just six weeks earlier.

William Stewart, a Northern Ireland resident, captures the sentiment of the course when he says: "It is great to play a hole you see on TV. You can't go to Wembley Stadium and kick a goal, but you can play a Ryder Cup course."

The 7,350-yard course is stocked with water on 14 holes. The finishing stretch of the back nine is especially water-logged. The narrow green of the 570-yard 16th hugs the River Liffey, demanding an exacting approach shot, whether it's a wedge or a 3-wood. The river continues to flow up the left side of "Half Moon," the tight par-4 17th. Another lake pinches the left side of the 18th fairway from 150 yards and in. A complex of four bunkers on the right gobbles up many approaches.

Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - clubhouse

The Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club played host to the 2006 Ryder Cup.

Courtesy of K Club

Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 18

The par-5 18th hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club decided a handful of matches at the 2006 Ryder Cup.

Courtesy of K Club

Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - no. 18

The 18th green at the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club sits near the clubhouse.

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Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 3

Water guards the par-3 third hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club.

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Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 6

The sixth hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club features a dramatic approach.

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Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 14

Water dominates the par-3 14th hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club.

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Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 13

The 13th green on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club hugs water.

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Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club - fans

The 18th hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club was a popular spot during the 2006 Ryder Cup.

Courtesy of K Club

K Club - Kildare Hotel

The Kildare Hotel, the elegant resort of the K Club, shimmers in the setting sun.

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K Club - artwork

Admiring art, like this statue, is one of the draws of staying at the K Club.

Courtesy of K Club

Palmer Ryder Cup golf course - K Club - hole 17

The par-4 17th hole on the Palmer Ryder Cup Course at the K Club is called "Half Moon."

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K Club - K Spa

Couples can relax in this treatment room at the K Spa at the K Club.

Courtesy of K Club

K Club - hotel room

The elegant rooms in the K Club hotel are decorative.

Courtesy of K Club