(Reuters) - The Ryder Cup will return to Ireland in 2026 when Adare Manor hosts the biennial contest between Europe and the United States for the first time, the European Tour said on Thursday.
A deal was struck between the Irish government and European Tour organisers to stage the event in County Limerick. The event was last staged in Ireland at the K Club near Dublin in 2006.
"We are delighted to announce the 2026 Ryder Cup will be staged in Ireland at Adare Manor which is a world class venue, both in terms of the golf course and the wider resort facilities," European Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings said in a statement.
"Today's announcement would not have been possible without the support of An Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar and the Irish government who are in receipt of our grateful and heartfelt thanks.
"Months of careful negotiation behind the scenes have seen us arrive at this point and we could not be happier to be able to take golf’s greatest team contest back to Ireland."
The announcement comes four days after Irishman Shane Lowry's emotional British Open triumph at Royal Portrush.
"Shane's victory is one of many great achievements by Irish golfers, not just in major championships but also in the Ryder Cup," Varadkar said.
"I am sure that when the Ryder Cup comes to Adare, we will see many more great sporting memories created, and great sporting friendships forged.
"It will be a fantastic occasion for everyone on the island of Ireland, and for the many visitors from both sides of the Atlantic who can look forward to another great Irish welcome."
After hosting the Irish Open twice, in 2007 and 2008, Adare Manor underwent a revamp, with Tom Fazio redesigning the layout.
Team Europe's 2020 Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington, was consulted on the design of the course, which was reopened in April 2018.
Harrington's Europe team will defend their title at next year's match at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, before it moves to Rome (2022) and Bethpage Black in New York (2024).
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)