Rory McIlroy and hurling up for discussion as Ryder Cup captains face world's media together

Luke Donald and Jim Furyk answered questions at Adare Manor about hurling-mad conversations, playing with young golfers in Rathbane, and hanging out with singer Niall Horan

Team United States captain Jim Furyk, left, and Team Europe captain Luke Donald shake hands after the 2027 Ryder Cup Year To Go Celebration on Sunday at Adare Manor in Limerick. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

With less than a year to go to the Ryder Cup getting under way at Adare Manor in Limerick, the two team captains faced the world’s media in their first joint press conference on Tuesday.

Team Europe captain Luke Donald and Team USA captain Jim Furyk took their turns answering questions at Adare Manor, discussing hurling-mad conversations, playing with young golfers in Rathbane, and hanging out with singer Niall Horan.

The pair may be on opposing sides, but they were united in saying that it wouldn't have been possible to bring the Ryder Cup to Adare without  JP McManus.

Furyk said he has turned into quite the hurling fan ever since JP McManus invited him to watch Limerick cruise past Tipperary in the Munster senior championship at the start of summer.

He's even got a hurling lesson from the 10-year-old son of Brendan O’Connor, the general manager at Adare Manor.

“He gave me a lesson right out on the front lawn and I have to be honest, he was quite a tough teacher. He let me know what I was doing wrong immediately. It’s difficult,” Furyk said.

Speaking of hurling matches, he added: “It was just amazing to see the community embrace their team, the kids running up to their favourite players after the game. My family just thought the world of it, and kind of really took to the sport because of it”.

Meanwhile, Donald remembered words spoken to him by McManus: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

After several visits at Adare Manor over recent months, Donald predicted it will be a “very special venue” for the Ryder Cup.

Team United States captain Jim Furyk (left) and Team Europe captain Luke Donald (centre) being interviewed by Louise Cantillon at the Ryder Cup 'Live at the Castle' event at King John’s Castle in Limerick. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The captains have been in the Mid-West for the past few days, and were teased at Tuesday's press conference about their understanding of Irish accent. “Just when you were coping with the Irish accent, we threw a Welsh one at you,”  joked the MC Louise Cantillon on the night.

Since then, they have made it their mission to learn cúpla focail along with a few phrases as Gaeilge. “I can’t repeat the one that I learned this week,” said Furyk on Tuesday, laughing.

Donald was also asked about six-time Ryder Cup veteran Rory McIlroy, who has been an “important part of Team Europe” since his debut in 2010.

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He said while McIlroy thought his first Ryder Cup “was going to be a bit of an exhibition”, he found the tournament to be “the most fun event that he’s ever been a part of”.

“He's changed as a person as he's grown into his role and what he's achieved in the game. Every time he achieved something, he feels like he has more responsibility as a leader, and he loves the Ryder Cup with a passion,” said Donald.

At Rathbane Golf Club on Monday, the two team captains played with young golfers and highlighted the opportunities the sport can offer beyond elite levels. 

Jim Furyk with members of the Junior Legacy Programme during the Ryder Cup 2027 Year to Go Junior Legacy Programme at Rathbane Golf Club on Sunday in Limerick. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Donald and Furyk took the Ryder Cup trophy to meet 30 boys and girls aged between two and 17 at the municipal venue, which is owned by Limerick City and County Council.

After sharing some of their experiences from across their careers with the youngsters, the captains then provided guidance on the course as they oversaw a chipping and putting practice session run by Golf Ireland.

During the captains’ visit, it was announced that as part of the legacy of next year’s contest, the Ryder Cup has donated 50 sets of golf clubs to Rathbane. 

Jim Furyk and Luke Donald with members of the Junior Legacy Programme at Rathbane Golf Club in Limerick on Sunday. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

They will be available for free to any juniors wanting to learn or develop their game and enable a child to begin their journey with correctly sized clubs, practise with support, and move to a different set as their skills and size change.

For Furyk, it is all about “giving back and making sure young people have the opportunity to experience this great game”.

“Luke and I are very fortunate to play a game we love for a living, but we also understand the impact our events can have on the communities that host them,” Furyk said.