Tralee is set to welcome Ireland’s leading golf tourism professionals for the 29th Annual Irish Golf Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) Conference & Gala Irish Golf Awards.
The prestigious two-day event will take place on Sunday, 18th and Monday, 19th October 2026, showcasing Tralee and Kerry as a world-class golf tourism destination.
Organised by the IGTOA in association with The Rose Hotel, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Discover Kerry, and Tralee Golf Links, the event commences on Sunday at The Rose Hotel with a Business Networking Seminar.
This is followed by the National Golf Conference, featuring influential industry figures discussing trends within the sector, concluding with a networking dinner.
On Monday, Tralee Golf Links will host the Annual IGTOA Golf Classic, while non-golfing delegates enjoy a curated itinerary including cycling the Tralee–Fenit Greenway and a boat tour of Fenit Bay. The highlight of the conference will be the 2026 Gala Irish Golf Awards at Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, a black-tie celebration recognising excellence across Ireland’s golf tourism industry.
Barry Maye, CEO of the IGTOA, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the event to the "heart of the Kingdom."
“This flagship event is more than a gathering—it is a vital meeting point for golf tour operators, hoteliers, golf courses, and transport providers who together drive Ireland’s world-renowned golf tourism economy,” he said.
Pat O’Leary, Chair of Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, added, “We are delighted to see Kerry take centre stage…
“The Ryder Cup 2027 represents a significant opportunity for the entire region.” The conference aims to leverage the global spotlight on Irish golf to ensure lasting benefits for the local economy.
