The 2025 Irish Challenge at Killeen Castle -
A World-Class Stage for Golf’s Rising Stars
Killeen Castle, County Meath – August 7–10, 2025
Killeen Castle, one of Ireland’s premier golf destinations, is set to welcome the Irish Challenge, part of the HotelPlanner Tour, from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th August 2025. This prestigious event will see 156 of the world’s top emerging golfers compete over four days in a 72-hole Strokeplay format. After 36 holes, the top 60 professionals will proceed to the final two rounds, battling for their share of the €300,000 prize fund, including a €48,000 first prize.
As Event 20 of 29 on the 2025 HotelPlanner Tour, the Irish Challenge plays a vital role in the development of the next generation of professional golfers. Golf Ireland utilises this platform to support young Irish talent through tournament invitations and strategic exchanges, providing them a gateway into international competition. Rising stars like Liam Nolan, currently in the top 10 on the Road to Mallorca Rankings - exemplify the success of this pathway, having entered the season without a tour category.
Notably, the leading Irish player in the Irish Challenge will be awarded the Christy O'Connor Jnr Memorial Trophy and earn an exemption into the 2025 Amgen Irish Open. Past recipients, including Tom McKibbin, have used the event as a springboard to greater success on the DP World Tour.
The Irish Challenge is free to attend, with spectators encouraged to register online at europeantour.com. The event will feature a vibrant Spectator Village offering a variety of Food & Beverage options, free onsite parking, and TV highlights airing on Sky Sports Golf and RTÉ Player from Wednesday, August 13.
About the HotelPlanner Tour
Formerly the Challenge Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour is the official development circuit for the DP World Tour. Since its inception in 1989, it has been a proving ground for future global stars. Graduates include Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Brooks Koepka, and Tommy Fleetwood. The 2025 Tour spans 29 events across 19 countries, with a total prize fund of over €9 million. The top 20 players at season’s end earn promotion to the DP World Tour, where many have gone on to claim Major titles, Ryder Cup appearances, and over 600 combined DP World Tour victories.
HotelPlanner, a global leader in travel technology, became the title sponsor of the Tour in 2025, enhancing its reach and visibility across the golfing world.
About Killeen Castle
Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, Killeen Castle offers an elite golfing experience on its Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Course, set against the historic 800-year-old castle backdrop. Since reopening in 2008 as a luxury golf resort, Killeen Castle has hosted several major events and continues to enhance its facilities through ongoing investment and course upgrades, ensuring optimal conditions for both members and international competitors.
“We are thrilled to host the 2025 Irish Challenge, which highlights the exceptional quality of our championship golf course,” said Cormac Ryan, Director of Golf & Hospitality Operations at Killeen Castle. “Our team takes immense pride in delivering a world-class experience and looks forward to welcoming the next generation of global golfing talent.”
Don’t miss your chance to witness future stars in action at Killeen Castle from 7–10 August 2025. Register today for free tickets.
Get Tickets: Irish Challenge 2025 - HotelPlanner Tour
Killeen Castle, Killeen, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 FH39