European hopefuls flock to Adare Manor for Ryder Cup preparation

EUROPEAN Ryder Cup star John Rahm was full of praise for Adare Manor after playing a round at the venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

The two-time Major champion hailed the JP McManus owned course as “one of the best hotel golf course experiences there is in the world,” after playing a practice round on Monday.

Rahm said that he felt the visit was valuable not only for seeing Adare Manor in its current form, but for reinforcing team culture and giving newcomers an early sense of the Ryder Cup environment.

“Any time I'm asked to go to Adare Manor, I'm going to go happily and willingly,” he said. Obviously some Ryder Cup members, some possible prospects for the Ryder Cup. It was very enjoyable.

“I think those days are great for all of us to see each other and just in a way remember why we do what we do.

“But for people that have never been involved in anything Ryder Cup related, I think it's great to get a little bit of an example of what things may look like and what things may be like.

“So for those players that have never been there before, I think it's just getting those first nerves out of the way of what things may — how they may feel I think is very, very important.”

Captain Luke Donald brought together a mix of established Ryder Cup members and emerging contenders to the 2027 Ryder Cup venue as part of early preparations.

Fifteen players travelled from Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, on Sunday evening, including ten members of Europe’s victorious 2025 team, Alex Noren, 2023 Ryder Cup player Nicolai Højgaard, and four potential rookies— Eugenio Chacarra, Kristoffer Reitan, Alex Fitzpatrick and Ángel Ayora.

Shane Lowry, who claimed the Amgen Irish Open by a record 11 strokes on Sunday evening, joined them later.

After dinner and an initial briefing from Donald, the group played 18 holes on Monday in four groups of four, giving players a first look at the course and a chance to connect before heading to Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship.

Rahm also noted the course’s condition and recent changes, revealing discussions with Donald and the vice‑captains added useful context just over a year out from the 2027 event.

“As far as for me, for all we knew, they re‑grassed the place. They went from European rye to American rye, if I'm correct. With the good weather they've had in Europe, in Ireland, it was in as good a shape as I've ever seen it.

“It was actually firm. I mean, 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. Obviously talking to Luke and the vice captains about what changes they made to the golf course, but it was a lot of fun.”

The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor takes places between Friday, September 17 and Sunday, September 19.