Ireland to host Ryder Cup in 2026

Well it’s been a pretty exciting week for golf on the island of Ireland. First, Shane Lowry’s spectacular win at the 148th Open in Northern Ireland and then the magnificent Adare Manor in County Limerick has been announced as host of The Ryder Cup 2026.  Not too shabby!

Well if I have to rough it I will....

The Ryder Cup has only been staged in Ireland once before, but the result at the K Club in 2006 evokes some memories as captain Ian Woosnam led his team featuring a trio of Irishmen, all of whom who would go on to captain Europe over the next decade (Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley just in case you were wondering) to a blistering victory over the United States by a record margin of 18½ - 9½. 

We'll need to start making more of The Black Stuff...we only have 7 years!

Given the reception the Open received at Royal Portrush this month we really can’t wait to see what is arguably golf’s biggest contest will be like at Adare Manor Golf Club on the 20th anniversary of the K Club rout!

Now, how do we tell the American's not to shout about spuds?

According to the marketing blurb, the course was the last major golf track design by celebrated architect Robert Trent Jones Senior and opened in 1995.  It has also just undergone a complete revamp intended to position it at the very top of Ireland’s golf facilities, and the pictures do look rather special.

The course apparently meanders through 230 acres of lush parkland and majestic mature trees, bisected at various points by the River Maigue. The closing hole demands an approach shot over water to a green adjacent to the in arguably magnificent, turreted 19th-century Adare Manor.

I know where my tee shot is going at the 18th!

The course is owned by JP McManus, he of horse racing fame, who said: “I am delighted that the prestigious Ryder Cup will return to Ireland.  We were very happy that Adare Manor was chosen as the venue for this world-renowned tournament in 2026 and we look forward to welcoming our worldwide visitors.” But then he would say that wouldn’t he?!?

Either way, we think it looks pretty bloomin good and given the atmosphere of the recent Open multiplied by the usual Ryder Cup rivalry it will make for a pretty spectacular setting. 

It's like Downton Abbey, innit!?

We’re off to book some rooms and some flights but think that them in charge better start planning for the all Guinness that will be needed should the Europeans repeat their previous endeavours whilst on the Emerald Isle. Sláinte!

And another thing...

Mad dogs and Englishmen