The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
To the manor born as Irish given Ryder Cup green light
● Emerald Isle feel-good factor continues after Portrush success
Former Ryder Cup captains Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie capitalised on the better conditions at the weather delayed first round of the Senior Open.
The pair carded two under par rounds of 68 as the opening day of play became a stop-start affair due to players being taken off the course throughout the afternoon when there was the threat of thunderstorms.
Three-time senior Major winner Montgomerie is making his seventh appearance in the event, while Clarke, who won The Open in 2011, is making his Senior Open debut at Royal Lytham & St Annes less than a week after teeing it up on home soil at Portrush.
Clarke said: “I had the trajectory under control, you need to do that. Even with a little breeze here at Lytham, if you’re off, you’re going to find bunkers and get in trouble.”
Ireland has ridden the crest of the Open wave to host the Ryder Cup for the first time in 20 years. Ryder Cup bosses have admitted the overwhelming success of the major’s return to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland last week tipped the scales for Adare Manor to stage the biennial challenge in 2026.
The Irish government agreed a deal with Ryder Cup chiefs for the Limerick course to be Ireland’s first host venue since the K Club in 2006.
European Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings said there were precious few hesitations in selecting Adare Manor.
“This is a world-class venue, both in terms of the golf course and the wider resort facilities,” said Kinnings.
“Months of careful negotiation behind the scenes have seen us arrive at this point and we could
not be happier to be able to take golf ’s greatest team contest back to Ireland.
“Equally in receipt of our appreciation are Adare Manor owners JP and Noreen McManus and their entire team at the magnificent County Limerick venue.
“JP has shown unwavering support for golf and the European Tour over many years and we are delighted Adare Manor will be the venue to showcase the next chapter in Ireland’s Ryder Cup story in seven years’ time.
“Aside from having provided three captains over the past four editions, in addition to world-class talent such as Rory McIlroy, Irish players such as the late Christy O’Connor Jnr, Philip Walton, Eamonn Darcy, Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley are intrinsically linked with providing Europe’s winning moments over the years. “Added to that the fact that Irish golf fans are rightly recognised as some of the most knowledgeable and passionate in the world – as was shown during Shane Lowry’s emotional Open triumph at Royal Portrush on Sunday – there was no question in our minds that the time was right.” Portrush hosted the Open for the first time in 68 years.
That feelgood factor was hoisted by home favourite Shane Lowry sweeping his maiden major title and now Irish golf has received another shot in the arm. Irish racehorse owner JP McManus bought Adare Manor in December 2014 and revamped the entire resort at a cost of a reported 70 million euros. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar hailed both a sporting and economic boost for Ireland.
“I am delighted that Ireland will be the host of the Ryder Cup in 2026,” said Varadkar.
“It is great news for Ireland and for County Limerick and the west of Ireland in particular.
“This news comes at the end of an historic week for golf on the island of Ireland following the hugely successful hosting of the Open by Royal Portrush and the historic victory by one of Ireland’s most popular sporting heroes, Shane Lowry.
“Shane’s victory is one of many great achievements by Irish golfers, not just in majors but also in the Ryder Cup.
“Over the years, Irish captains and Irish players have played a huge role in the success of the European team.”