Smurfit Westrock becomes first Irish company to reach Ryder Cup worldwide partner status

Smurfit Westrock, the New York-listed Irish-founded global packaging group, has signed an agreement with Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America to become a worldwide partner of the Ryder Cup for its next three editions, joining an elite tier of sponsors that includes Rolex, DP World, Capgemini and SAP.

The Irish Times reported that the group has also been named official packaging innovation partner of the competition, marking the first time an Irish company has secured top-tier sponsorship status at the Ryder Cup.

The agreement arrives ahead of the 2027 edition of the tournament, which will be hosted by Adare Manor hotel and golf resort in Limerick, the County Clare property associated with JP McManus.

Ireland previously hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006 at the K Club in Co Kildare, then owned by Michael Smurfit, former chairman of Jefferson Smurfit Group and father of current Smurfit Westrock president and chief executive Tony Smurfit.

Tony Smurfit said the group has always had a strong connection to the game of golf, adding that he is thrilled for Smurfit Westrock to be part of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in the 100th year of the event, and that the partnership will showcase Ireland, Smurfit Westrock and the game of golf at its very best.

He also said the company is proud to support JP McManus and his family in bringing the Ryder Cup back, describing the event as holding great significance for Irish sport and the broader economy.

The 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor is expected to generate significant economic impact for the Limerick region and Ireland, with the tournament consistently ranking among the most commercially valuable events in global golf.

Access the full details of this landmark Ryder Cup sponsorship agreement.