No Tiger but some big names on way to Adare

FEMALE golf fans will still be queuing up to catch a glimpse of celebrity golfers at next year’s JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am in Co Limerick – despite the likely absence of world No1 Tiger Woods.

The charity golf tournament has confirmed Hollywood stars Hugh Grant and American actor Kyle MacLachlan for next year’s event, but it now appears unlikely that Woods, who remains registered for the event, will take to the greens at Adare Manor on the July 5 and 6 next year.

Organisers of the 36-hole charity event have also announced that triple major winner Ernie Els and world ranked number six Jim Furyk have also agreed to tee off at Adare Manor.

Furyk and Els have 86 worldwide career victories between them and will be joined by in-form Australian Robert Allenby, recent back-to-back winner of the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City and the Australian PGA Championship, in the elite field. Pádraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy have also previously committed to play in the tournament.

JP McManus said: “We are delighted that players of such high calibre who have shown their magnificent skills all around the world have agreed to give up their time to play in the Pro-Am. Jim Furyk, Ernie Els and Robert Allenby are a great addition to the event and we look forward to welcoming them to Adare next July.”

A record number of overseas and Irish people are expected to visit Limerick to enjoy the golf and the atmosphere next summer.

This time, spectators can choose from one of eight different coloured “two day entrance caps” representing Ireland, Munster Rugby, and each of the Munster counties.

The aim of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am is to support mid-western charities and groups in their work with the underprivileged and disadvantaged.

All proceeds are donated towards the development of these services and more than €55 million has been raised since its inception in 1990.

The fundraiser is held every five years and once again, the beneficiary charities are organising pre-qualifying tournaments throughout the country in a bid to enter teams in the Pro-Am next July.