Adare Manor ….
European Tour CEO Keith Pelley has sought to dispel rumours there is doubt over the staging of the 2022 Ryder Cup in Rome.
It has been rumoured the Italian Government is struggling to raise funds for the staging of a Ryder Cup for what will be the second straight staging of the biennial event on the Continent.
Pelley, however, has poured cold water on the suggestion while visiting the opening ceremony Friday of the revamped Adare Manor course near Limerick in Ireland.
“I’m not sure where that rumour has come from but Italy have been wonderful partners to date,” he said.
“We’re not in finalising stage of determining the golf course design led by European golf design, for the host Marco Simone club but we do look forward to having Ryder Cup there in 2022.
Keith Pelley, CEO of the European Tour, dispels suggestions the 2022 Ryder Cup in Italy could be in doubt.
“We’re looking at some fantastic things for the opening ceremony, talking about the Coliseum, which would be interesting.
“Of course, Paris and this year’s Ryder Cup is our main focus and we’re buzzing with anticipation about it. Teams are both going to be really competitive.
“There was talk about it after what transpired at Hazeltine, and the President’s Cup that it wouldn’t be as competitive. I think the teams will be very strong.”
The complete revamping on the Adare Manor course by American-based golf architect, Tom Fazio has now brought the course, that hosted the 2007 and 2008 Irish Open, into frame to host the 2026 Ryder Cup.
Pelley used his visit to the stunning ‘new-look’ course to talk privately with Adare Manor owner, J P McManus about this very possibility.
And while non-committal on such a likelihood, World No. 7 Rory McIlroy is very enthusiastic on an opportunity to play in an ‘Irish’ Ryder Cup.
“Incredibly I was not part of the team at the K Club in 2006 but I was there and I was then on the Sunday and watched and was amazed,” said McIlroy.
“It just made the hairs on the back of your neck stand-up on end.
“So, to play a Ryder Cup in front of your home fans would be a dream come true and hopefully one day it will happen”.
