The 2006 ryder cup matches between the united states and europe were held at the k club. Tom lehman (us) and ian woosnam (europe) led their squads. As darren clarke returned to the golfing scene for the first time since the death of his wife heather, the first ryder cup held in ireland turned into a record-equaling experience and a intensely emotional affair. The vast crowds gave the irishman a standing ovation that reverberated across the entire k club area. Clarke won his match against zach johnson on sunday, shortly after rookie henrik stenson holed the putt to lift the ryder cup, and immediately broke down in tears, only to be met with embraces from captains woosnam and lehman, as well as several other players from both sides. Europe (18 12) vs. the united states (9 12). In 2004, the ryder cup was held at oakland hills, and in 2008, it was held at valhalla.

The kildare country club, or the k club, as it is officially known, is set in 550 acres of rolling county kildare countryside. It is ireland's most well-known golf course.