Following the tremendous success of the 2025 tournament, Killeen Castle is preparing to welcome the HotelPlanner Tour Irish Challenge back to County Meath for a second consecutive year from Thursday 13th August to Sunday 16th August 2026.
Staged on Killeen Castle’s spectacular Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Course, the tournament will bring together 156 of the most exciting emerging professionals in men’s golf as they compete for a €300,000 prize fund and valuable Road to Mallorca ranking points.
Formerly known as the Challenge Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour is an important pathway to the DP World Tour and has helped launch the careers of Major champions and Ryder Cup players including Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka and recently crowned Open Champion Ryan Fox.
The international field at Killeen Castle is expected to include leading players from the Road to Mallorca Rankings alongside a strong contingent of Irish professionals. The leading Irish player will be presented with the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy and will also earn an invitation to compete in the 2026 Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg.
The return of the tournament builds on the success of the 2025 Irish Challenge, which saw Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy produce an outstanding performance to secure the title. Robert Moran finished as the leading Irish player, earning the Christy O’Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy and a place in the Amgen Irish Open.
Success for Killeen Castle’s Touring Ambassador Professionals
The 2026 tournament arrives during an exceptional period for Killeen Castle’s touring professionals.
Killeen Castle Touring Ambassador John Gough recently secured his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title at the Blot Play9 at Golf Bluegreen de Pléneuf Val André in France. Gough carded a final-round 68 to finish on 14 under par and claim a two-shot victory, marking an important breakthrough in his professional career.
Killeen Castle’s Cormac Sharvin also enters the week following a major victory, having captured the 116th TouchStore Irish PGA Championship at Limerick Golf Club. Sharvin defeated Conor O’Rourke on the first hole of a sudden-death play-off after the pair finished tied on 15 under par. His victory places him among an illustrious list of former Irish PGA champions that includes Pádraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Des Smyth, Fred Daly, Eamonn Darcy and Philip Walton.
The achievements of Gough and Sharvin underline Killeen Castle’s commitment to supporting professional golf and celebrating excellence at every level of the game.
A Unique Spectator Experience
One of the defining features of the HotelPlanner Tour Irish Challenge is the opportunity for spectators to experience elite tournament golf at exceptionally close quarters.
Fans can walk the fairways and follow the professionals from hole to hole as they take on the challenges of Killeen Castle’s championship course. This immersive format gives spectators a rare insight into the skill, strategy and composure required to compete at this level of the professional game.
The week begins with the Irish Challenge Pro-Am on Wednesday 12th August, when amateur golfers will have the opportunity to play alongside HotelPlanner Tour professionals before the main tournament gets underway the following morning.
Cormac Ryan, Director of Golf & Hospitality Operations at Killeen Castle, said, “We are incredibly proud to welcome the Irish Challenge back to Killeen Castle for a second consecutive year. The success of the 2025 tournament demonstrated the quality of our championship course, the dedication of our team and the tremendous appetite that exists for professional golf in this region.
“The Irish Challenge has become one of the highlights of our annual calendar. It provides an important platform for the emerging stars of the game while giving spectators the opportunity to experience professional tournament golf in a very accessible and engaging way.
“The recent victories achieved by John Gough and Cormac Sharvin have made this year’s event even more meaningful for everyone associated with Killeen Castle. We look forward to welcoming the players, officials, volunteers and spectators for what promises to be another unforgettable week of championship golf.”
Free Admission Throughout The Tournament
Admission to the 2026 HotelPlanner Tour Irish Challenge is completely free, making the tournament an ideal day out for dedicated golf followers, families and anyone interested in seeing the next generation of international stars compete.
General admission provides access to the golf on the selected tournament day and includes complimentary on-site parking. Parking will be available on hardstanding and adjacent grass areas, with visitors asked to follow the directions of the parking attendants upon arrival.
Whether following one of Ireland’s emerging professionals, watching the leaders in the Road to Mallorca Rankings or simply enjoying championship golf in one of Ireland’s most impressive parkland settings, the Irish Challenge at Killeen Castle is an event not to be missed.
Killeen Castle looks forward to welcoming spectators from across Ireland and further afield for another memorable celebration of professional golf.
Tournament Dates
Irish Challenge Pro-Am: Wednesday 12th August 2026
HotelPlanner Tour Irish Challenge: Thursday 13th August to Sunday 16th August 2026
Venue: Killeen Castle, Dunsany, County Meath
Admission: Free, with complimentary on-site parking
Secure your free tickets: https://tickets.europeantour.com/eut/go/b209fc6b-8d51-400b-b3e8-8445fecb6f94/shop/product-first?fac=EUT&locale=en&skin=CTIRE