Smurfit Westrock has officially cemented a multi-year agreement, stepping in as a Worldwide Partner for the prestigious Ryder Cup. This landmark partnership marks a significant moment for the Dublin-headquartered paper-based packaging giant, especially as the Ryder Cup prepares for its highly anticipated return to Ireland, bringing excitement to golf enthusiasts, players, and partners alike.
Tony Smurfit, President and Group CEO of Smurfit Westrock, underscored the company’s deep-rooted connection to golf in Ireland. “While our company has achieved global expansion, our Irish origins remain incredibly important,” stated Smurfit. “I am immensely proud that Smurfit Westrock will be part of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor during the event’s centennial year, showcasing the best of Ireland, our company, and the sport of golf. We are also honored to support JP McManus and his family in bringing the Ryder Cup back, recognizing its profound impact on Irish sport and the broader economy.”
The relationship between Smurfit Westrock and the Ryder Cup stretches back many years. Dr. Michael Smurfit, then Chairman and CEO, was instrumental in securing the Ryder Cup for The K Club in Ireland in 2006. The company further strengthened its ties to elite professional golf by sponsoring the European Open at the same venue for several years.
This partnership strategically aligns with Smurfit Westrock’s extensive global footprint and customer-centric approach, with a majority of its clientele based across Europe and the United States – a reflection of the Ryder Cup’s unique transatlantic dynamic. As the Official Packaging Innovation Partner of the Ryder Cup, Smurfit Westrock is committed to contributing to an event that upholds shared values of integrity, respect, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The collaboration will serve as a powerful platform to demonstrate Smurfit Westrock’s innovative capabilities to customers and stakeholders, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable packaging solutions and its dedication to continuous improvement. A unified vision among the Ryder Cup organizers, Smurfit Westrock, and host venue Adare Manor aims to develop advanced, eco-friendly packaging designed to elevate the spectator experience and achieve the ambition of staging the most sustainable Ryder Cup to date.
Renewed Association with Paul McGinley
Adding to its Ryder Cup engagement, Smurfit Westrock is delighted to rekindle its association with Irish professional golfer Paul McGinley. McGinley, who was the touring professional at The K Club in the early 2000s, famously captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2014 and sank the winning putt as a player in 2002. McGinley expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled to be associated with Smurfit Westrock once more, a company with whom I’ve shared a long and successful history. I eagerly anticipate representing them on their Ryder Cup journey.”
Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour group, commented on the significance of the event. “The Ryder Cup is poised to be the largest sporting event ever held on the Island of Ireland. It presents an incredible opportunity for local businesses to exhibit their expertise to a global audience, and we are thrilled to welcome a distinguished Irish company like Smurfit Westrock into our Worldwide Partner family. We are also committed to making the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor the most sustainable ever, and Smurfit Westrock’s products and expertise will be crucial in achieving this goal.”
The partnership extends across multiple future events, including the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, the 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, and the 2031 Ryder Cup at Camiral in Costa Brava, near Barcelona. The launch of this significant partnership was announced today at an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.