Smurfit Westrock agrees partnership deal with Ryder Cup 

European Tour group senior commercial director David Brookes with Smurfit Westrock president and group CEO Tony Smurfit and 2014 European Ryder Cup captain and Smurfit Westrock ambassador Paul McGinley at the announcement of Smurift Westrock as a worldwide partner of the Ryder Cup. Picture: Fennell Photography

Irish-headquartered packaging giant Smurfit Westrock has signed an agreement to become a sponsorship partner with the Ryder Cup, which takes place in Adare Manor next year. 

Smurfit Westrock will be a worldwide partner and packaging innovation partner for the next three editions of the showpiece event, including the centenary event in the Mid West in September 2027, as well as further tournaments in Hazeltine in Minnesota in 2029 and Camiral on Spain's Costa Brava in 2031. 

The company already has historic links to the event, with former chairman of Jefferson Smurfit Group, Michael Smurfit, playing a key role in bringing the 2006 Ryder Cup to the K Club in Kildare. Smurfit Westrock also was title partner of the European Open from 1995 to 2007.

The Ryder Cup and Smurfit Westrock launched the new partnership today at an event in Dublin hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. “Smurfit Westrock has always had a strong connection to golf in Ireland,” said Tony Smurfit, president and group CEO of Smurfit Westrock, and son of Michael. “I’m thrilled for Smurfit Westrock to be part of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in the 100th year of the event, as we showcase Ireland, Smurfit Westrock and the game of golf at its very best. We are also proud to support JP McManus and his family in bringing the Ryder Cup back, as the event holds great significance for Irish sport and the broader economy.” 

Richard Atkinson, chief Ryder Cup officer at the European Tour said the Ryder Cup promises to be the biggest sporting event ever staged on the island of Ireland. "The opportunity for locally rooted businesses to showcase their expertise to a global audience is tremendous, and we’re delighted to welcome an Irish company of Smurfit Westrock’s pedigree to our worldwide partner family."