JP McManus Pro-Am at Limerick Golf Club The Birthplace of a Legendary Tournament Limerick Golf Club holds a unique and cherished place in Irish sporting history as the birthplace of the JP McManus Pro-Am, one of the world's most prestigious charity golf events. Before the tournament found its current home at Adare Manor, it was here on our fairways that this extraordinary gathering of golfing legends first took shape. Our History with the Pro-Am 1990 – The Inaugural Event On 5th and 6th July 1990, Limerick Golf Club hosted the very first JP McManus Pro-Am. This landmark occasion brought together some of Europe's finest players, including Ryder Cup heroes Gordon Brand Jnr, Eamonn Darcy, and Des Smyth. Roger Chapman and Neil Hansen shared the honours, finishing tied with scores of 141. From these beginnings, a tradition of excellence was born. 1995 – Growing Prestige The second staging of the event returned to Limerick Golf Club on 5th and 6th June 1995. This edition marked the first involvement of the European Tour in managing the event, elevating its profile and attracting an even stronger field. Richard Boxall and Paul Broadhurst claimed joint victory with impressive scores of 134, each taking home £7,500. 2000 – A Fitting Farewell The Pro-Am returned to Limerick Golf Club for a third and final time on 10th and 11th July 2000, cementing our place in the tournament's rich heritage before it moved to its current venue at Adare Manor in 2005. A Legacy of Giving The JP McManus Pro-Am exists for one primary purpose: to raise funds for charitable organisations throughout the Mid-West region of Ireland. To date, the tournament has raised over €140 million for worthy causes, a remarkable achievement that began right here at Limerick Golf Club. Every ticket sold, every round played, and every moment of excitement has contributed to this extraordinary charitable endeavour, supporting hospitals, schools, sports clubs, and community organisations across Limerick and beyond. World-Class Players Who Graced Our Course During our three hostings of the Pro-Am, Limerick Golf Club welcomed some of the finest golfers in the world. Our Alister MacKenzie-designed course provided the perfect stage for: Ryder Cup Champions – Including Gordon Brand Jnr, Eamonn Darcy, and Des Smyth European Tour Stars – Roger Chapman, Neil Hansen, Richard Boxall, and Paul Broadhurst among many others Rising Talents – Players who would go on to become household names in world golf
The Tournament Format The JP McManus Pro-Am pairs one professional golfer with three amateur partners, creating a unique blend of elite competition and inclusive participation. Two competitions run simultaneously: The Professional Competition – A 36-hole stroke play tournament where the world's best compete for individual honours. The Team Event – A Shamble format (a variation of a Texas Scramble) where teams combine their best efforts across two days of play. From Limerick to Adare Manor While the tournament moved to Adare Manor in 2005, Limerick Golf Club remains proud of our foundational role in this remarkable event. The Pro-Am has since attracted the greatest names in golf—Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, and countless major champions—raising the profile of Limerick as a world-class golfing destination. Adare Manor will host the 2027 Ryder Cup, a testament to the golfing excellence that JP McManus first showcased here at Limerick Golf Club over three decades ago. Our Continuing Connection Limerick Golf Club celebrates our heritage as the birthplace of this iconic tournament. Our members and visitors walk the same fairways where the Pro-Am began, experiencing a course designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie—the architect behind Augusta National. We invite you to be part of this continuing story of golfing excellence in Limerick. Key Facts First Pro-Am: 5-6 July 1990 Limerick GC Hostings: 1990, 1995, 2000 Total Charitable Funds Raised: Over €140 million Course Architect: Dr Alister MacKenzie Current Venue: Adare Manor (since 2005)
