European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald made his first official visit to Adare Manor this week, inspecting the course and facilities ahead of the 2027 contest.

Donald, who will lead Europe for a second time, was joined by vice-captain Edoardo Molinari as they reviewed key areas of the Limerick venue set to host golf’s biggest team event in September 2027.

The visit marked an early step in preparations, with Donald getting a first on-site look at the layout and team environments.

Luke Donald and diane donald, JP MacManus visit school Ryder Cup 2027

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Alongside the site inspection, Donald and his wife Diane also visited Our Lady’s Abbey Primary School, where children from four local schools took part in a golf taster session.

Twenty pupils aged nine to 12 participated in activities including putting and chipping games, led by Golf Ireland Limerick Development Officers as part of the ‘Unleash Your Drive’ programme.

Donald was joined at the school by Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan, Adare Manor owner JP McManus and European Tour Group CEO Guy Kinnings.

“It’s great to get involved with the local schools and make them aware they will have one of the world’s biggest sporting events on their doorstep,” Donald said.

“The Ryder Cup is about inspiring future generations. You never know, someone here could be playing in it in 10 or 15 years.”

Ireland will host the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2006 when it returns in 2027, with Adare Manor set to stage the event from September 13–19.

Donald added: “This Ryder Cup is going to be very special… there is no better venue to achieve that.”

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