JP to give golf wives €2,000 vouchers

IT always generates millions for local charities and tourism but this year’s JP McManus Pro-Am Golf Classic at Adare Manor Hotel is also likely to give fashion houses in the area a much welcome boost.

It has been suggested that partners of the golfing stars who will travel to Adare this July will each receive a €2,000 voucher to spend in the local area.

Among the glamorous golfing wives expected in Adare on July 4 and 5 will be Caroline Harrington, wife of Padraig Harrington, Liezl Els, wife of Ernie Els and Monserrat Bravo Ramirez, wife of Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez.

There is also strong speculation that Tiger Woods will play in the tournament.

Speaking last month JP McManus said the world’s number one golfer had earlier stated he intended to play at the tournament and that he heard nothing to the contrary since.

The tournament organisers refused to comment on the vouchers but local Fine Gael councillor, Rose Brennan, said she would be delighted if Mr McManus repeated the gesture of five years ago when the wives of the visiting players got vouchers to spend in the local boutiques and clothes shops.

“It would be a great boost and would be very welcome. Indeed the business people of Adare could well do with ~it ... at the moment.”

To date the JP McManus pro-am has raised in excess of €55 million, which has been distributed to a wide range of charities, health facilities and a voluntary providers of a wide range of services to the elderly and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.