The Augusta of Europe
JP plans revamp of Adare golf resort as he eyes 2026 Ryder Cup
ADARE Manor could become the ‘Augusta of Europe’ as part of plans envisioned by owner JP McManus, it has been claimed.
The millionaire racehorse owner, who bought the resort in his native Limerick last year for €30million, is thought to be planning to invest at least the same amount again in a major revamp of the hotel and golf course.
It is intended that the renowned
course will be upgraded, with a view to returning the Irish Open to Adare along with JP’s successful charity Pro-Am event.
And the tycoon is aiming to bring the Ryder Cup to Adare in 2026. Ivan Morris, Limerick-based golf columnist, said Mr McManus is, he believes, seeking ‘to turn Adare into the Augusta of Europe’.
‘I think myself that JP’s plans are to have the Ryder Cup in Adare in 2026. And if that comes to pass, it will obviously be a huge boon to the region. That is long-term,’ he said. ‘I know that he has been quoted as saying that he wants to turn Adare into the Augusta of Europe.’
While little has been said officially about the project, it is believed that major development work will get under way at the start next year.
This would see the golf course close for a period of about seven months, and the hotel for even longer, subject to planning.
The course, which hosted the Irish Open in 2007 and 2008, is to be partly redesigned and its clubhouse is to get a revamp.
A spokesperson for the resort declined to comment when asked about the plans. However, it is understood high-ranking officials in the club were informed this week that the course would likely close for at least seven months next year, with members getting a break on fees while work is carried out. The hotel, it is also understood, will close for a longer period, possibly up to 18 months, with plans being put in place to build a new wing and a conference centre.
Mr McManus is understood to have drafted in Colm Hannon to oversee the transformation. Mr Hannon was general manager in Sandy Lane in Barbados for eight years and is currently chief executive in Luttrellstown Castle, where he has been based for ten years.
Planning applications have not been lodged for the major develop- ment work, but the process is expected to take place soon.
A leading member of the club said officers had met with management and had been told that all facilities, including the golf course and the hotel, will close for major renovation work early in 2016.
‘We have been assured that membership will be fine and that we will have a world-class facility when everything is completed,’ they said.