Limerick businessman JP McManus enjoys 'wonderful day' playing in Horizon Irish Open Pro-Am

LIMERICK businessman JP McManus was among a host of well-known faces who teed it up in Wednesday's Horizon Irish Open Pro-Am at the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare.

Golfing enthusiast JP McManus played the 18 holes in the traditional eve of Horizon Irish Open tournament event alongside European Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley.

The fourball at the former Ryder Cup venue also included Cilian O’Cogain and Simon Allis.

Speaking to Leader Sport after he completed his round on the 18th green, JP McManus said: "It's a wonderful day, great company. Golf wasn't the best, but who is complaining? It was a perfect day weather wise."

Asking about his reflections on Limerick's four-in-a-row of All-Ireland senior hurling wins, McManus replied: "We're living a dream aren't we, we are living a dream."

Other well-known personalities who showcased their golfing skills over the impressive layout at the K Club included Limerick hurler Cian Lynch, Munster Rugby player Joey Carbery, former jockey Bryan Cooper, Dublin footballer Dean Rock and Kerry footballer David Clifford.

Former Ireland rugby stars Tommy Bowe and Rory Best, impressionist Conor ‘Sketches’ Moore and former Cork GAA All-Star footballer Valerie Mulcahy also teed it up with the leading professionals on the DP World Tour.

Returning to The K Club for the 68th edition of the Irish Open which begins this Thursday morning is Rory McIlroy who secured a famous victory at the County Kildare venue in 2016 after producing a stunning eagle-par-birdie finish to secure his first professional victory on Irish soil by three strokes. 

Joining the four-time Major Champion is 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry, three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington, Major champions Adam Scott and Danny Willett six-time DP World Tour champion Tyrrell Hatton, two-time PGA TOUR winner Séamus Power, European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and Rolex Series winners Billy Horschel and Min Woo Lee.