Ireland’s Adare Manor to host 2026 Ryder Cup after Open success at Royal Portrush

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 Government of Ireland agreed a deal with Ryder Cup chiefs for the Limerick course to become Ireland’s first host venue since the K Club in 2006.

European Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings admitted 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 that 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 Championship triumph at Royal Portrush on Sunday, there was no question in our minds that the time was right.”

Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush last week hosted The Open for the first time in 68 years, and the tournament’s overwhelming success has handed the island of Ireland an immediate boost.

That feel-good 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 70million Euro.

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 Championship by Royal Portrush Golf Club, 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 Major Championships 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.

“I am sure that when The Ryder Cup comes to Adare, we will see many more great sporting memories created, and great sporting friendships forged.

“It will be a fantastic occasion for everyone on the island of Ireland, and for the many visitors from both sides of the Atlantic who can look forward to another great Irish welcome.”