Ryder Cup returns to Ireland for 2026 match
A historic week for Irish golf became even more memorable with yesterday’s news that the Ryder Cup is to be hosted at Adare Manor in 2026. In the wake of Shane Lowry’s Open victory at Royal Portrush on Sunday, the Limerick course, owned by billionaire racehorse owner JP Mcmanus, has beaten off competition from The Belfry, at Sutton Coldfield, and other venues across the continent.
It is understood that a prime factor in Adare winning the nod was that the Irish Open has been guaranteed until the Ryder Cup returns to the country after a 20-year absence. That means a windfall of tens of millions of pounds for the European Tour as the match against the United States once again proves its economic importance to the circuit.
“Today’s announcement would not have been possible without the support of An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Irish government,” Guy Kinnings, the Tour’s Ryder Cup director, said. “Months of careful negotiation behind the scenes have seen us arrive at this point.”
In welcoming the ratification by his cabinet, Varadkar pointed to Lowry’s success, as the Open returned to Irish soil for the first time in 68 years. Lowry’s Claret Jug made it a remarkable 10 majors for Ireland in the past 12 years.
“Shane’s victory is one of many great achievements by Irish golfers, not just in majors but also in the Ryder Cup,” Varadkar said. “It will be a fantastic occasion for everyone.”
The Belfry, which has hosted four previous matches, had hoped to bring the Ryder Cup back to England for the first time in 24 years. Germany, Portugal, Holland and Sweden missed out as well as the Tour opted for financial incentives over a desire to break new ground.