PICTURES: Ryder Cup captain touches down in Limerick to visit ‘world class’ Adare Manor

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LUKE Donald touched down in Adare Manor this Tuesday for the first time since he was confirmed as European captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Limerick.

Donald and his wife Diane arrived in Adare in a luxurious helicopter - snapping aerial shots of the 5-star luxury resort as they arrived.

Donald arrives in Limerick with just under 18-months to the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare. His visit to the host venue was confirmed on the social media accounts of Ryder Cup Europe.

Earlier this week, Donald crowned Irish golfing superstar Rory McIlroy “the best European golfer of all time”.

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In a social media post after McIlroy defended his Masters title on Sunday, Donald posted: ‘Tying Seve (Ballesteros) with two green jackets will mean a lot to Rory. He is undoubtedly the best European golfer of all time now. Congratulations’.

At next year’s Ryder Cup, Donald will have the chance to make his own piece of history as he attempts to become the first captain to lead a Ryder Cup team to three consecutive victories.

The 48 year old Englishman previously captained Team Europe to a 16½ - 11½ victory against the United States at Marco Simone, Rome in 2023, and a 15-13 win at Bethpage, New York last September.

Donald was a player in the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland, so he knows exactly what to expect from the atmosphere when the Ryder Cup returns to the country from September 13-19, 2027.

“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world. They are so passionate about the game, so hospitable and so down to earth. They will bring such a great energy to the Ryder Cup. I am sure they will get behind our players and cheer us on. That’s what you want from a crowd – to pick you up in those low moments and keep you going when things are going well,” he said at last month’s announcement of his captaincy.

“Adare Manor is such a special place, such a beautiful place. JP McManus and his team have done an amazing job creating a world class venue and hotel. Hosting a Ryder Cup will be very special to them and they are going to make sure it is going to be one of the greatest Ryder Cups in the history of our beautiful trophy.”