Luke Donald, the European captain, organised a trip to Limerick on Monday for a host of established Ryder Cup stars and potential rookies
Rory McIlroy playing towards the green at Adare Manor
Europe’s best golfers have been heaping praise on Adare Manor after a scouting trip to next year’s Ryder Cup venue.
Luke Donald, the European captain, organised a trip to Limerick on Monday for a host of established Ryder Cup stars and potential rookies.
Shane Lowry, fresh from winning the Irish Open at nearby Doonbeg, made the short trip to Adare to join the likes of Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre.
There were also places on the trip for some rising stars, such as Spanish duo Angel Ayora and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra, and Dane Kristoffer Reitan.
And European golf’s biggest stars were unanimous in their praise for the JP McManus-owned course.
“Any time I’m asked to go to Adare Manor, I’m going to go happily and willingly,” said Jon Rahm.
“It’s one of the best hotel golf course experiences there is in the world.”
“With the good weather they’ve had in Europe, in Ireland, it was in as good a shape as I’ve ever seen it,” Rahm added. “It was actually firm. They could have had it as fast as they wanted to.
“It wasn’t overly fast because obviously I think they want the public to still enjoy the week. It was in perfect condition. It was immaculate.”
Justin Rose said: “It was a lovely boys’ day out, in the sense we got together and had a nice dinner.
“There was some intention-setting of what it means to be on the team and what the plans are going forward.
“The round itself yesterday was very casual, very fun and just a first look at the golf course.
“Having Adare Manor pretty much to yourself is a pretty special experience.”
Alex Noren, who was part of the victorious 2018 Ryder Cup team and a vice-captain in 2025, was also impressed.
“I thought the venue was spectacular. I’ve never seen a place like it.”
Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup from 17-19 September next year, as Team Europe looks to win the contest for the third successive time.
The Limerick venue is set to welcome more than 250,000 people for the biggest event in golf.
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