Opened in 1991 with a match featuring golfing legends Christy O'Connor Snr. and Jack Nicklaus, the beautiful and challenging Mount Juliet course has established itself as a premier golfing venue for Top Professionals and leisure golfers worldwide. Chosen as the first and only Jack Nicklaus signature course in Ireland, the "Golden Bear" was meticulous and pain-staking in his design and overseeing of the construction of Mount Juliet Estate Golf Course, sited 12 miles south of the medieval city of Kilkenny. Feature holes abound Mount Juliet Estate Golf Course , but the 3rd hole, a stunning par 3 from an elevated tee to a green guarded by a natural stream and lake is one that golfers always remember. The par 5 10th hole with its copse of trees which tests the golfers strategy is also a favourite. The final hole at Mount Juliet Estate Golf Course, a long par 4 with water all down the left and a narrow approach to the green has decided many a tournament result. Mount Juliet Estate Golf Course was also voted 'best international golf destiniation of the year 2004'.