Tiger leads star-studded Limerick line-up

Tiger Woods leads a star-studded line-up of the world’s top players who have confirmed their participation in the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort next July.

Woods has confirmed that he will return to defend the title he won at Limerick Golf Club in 2000.

The 28-year-old has won 53 tournaments since turning professional in 1996.

Forty of the victories were on the US PGA Tour and Woods’ wins include the 1997, 2001, and 2002 US Masters, the 1999 and 2000 US PGA Championships, the 2000 and 2002 US Open Championships and the 2000 British Open.

The JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am will feature several of the world’s best players, including Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes, world number six Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn.

Also confirmed for the event are Americans Rocco Mediate and Mark O’Meara, along with Australian aces Stuart Appleby and Robert Allenby.

Celebrity players will join with top professional golfers to continue the success of the Pro-Am.

Spectators can expect to see familiar faces including Eddie Jordan, Gary Lineker, Chris de Burgh, Martin O’Neill and Charlie Swan participating.

The 2000 event attracted an exceptional field of worldwide players and celebrities

who helped raise close on €20m for Mid-West charities.

Tickets are to be sold in the form of baseball caps.

They go on sale on December 1 in a limited number of outlets in Limerick city.

Tickets are also available online www.jpmcmanusgolf.com.