Killeen Castle to host The Irish Challenge in 2025 and 2027

Killeen Castle hosted the 2011 Solheim Cup as well as several Ladies Irish Opens (2010, ’11, 12) and numerous PGA events.

In memory of one of Irish golf's most beloved and sadly missed figures, the highest-placed Irish player at the end of the week will be awarded the Christy O’Connor Jr Memorial Trophy and receive an invitation to the Amgen Irish Open, which takes place in The K Club next year.

The visit to Killeen Castle is part of the Challenge Tour’s Road to Mallorca International Schedule. The top 20 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings at the conclusion of the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final will earn DP World Tour playing privileges for the 2026 season.

The last player from the island of Ireland to graduate from the Challenge Tour was Down's Tom McKibbin, who hails from the same golf club as Rory McIlroy, after finishing 10th on the 2022 rankings.

“We are delighted to be taking the Irish Challenge to the wonderful Killeen Castle in 2025,” said Challenge Tour director Jamie Hodges. “The historic venue offers one of the finest parkland golfing experiences in Ireland, and our members will relish the opportunity to compete on the Championship course.

“The rebirth of the Irish Challenge has been ongoing since 2015, and we are delighted to provide the next generation of golfing talent in Ireland with opportunities to play on the Challenge Tour.

“We give special thanks to everyone at Killeen Castle for all their help and hospitality. Through our collective partnership and teamwork, our members will be treated to a first-class tournament and an event that will be eagerly anticipated on the Road to Mallorca schedule.”