The 2005 Pro-Am winner Pádraig Harrington and Aston Villa Manager, Martin O'Neill were on hand this Thursday as guests of honour at the media launch of the spectacular two-day event on July 5 and 6.
The top-class line-up of players who have committed to playing in the tournament already include Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Anthony Kim, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Robert Allenby and Camilo Villegas. Ireland's three-time major champion Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will head the home challenge.
Five years ago Harrington claimed the title when firing a superb second round course record of 63 to win the 36-hole tournament by six shots from South African Tim Clark.
Hopes remain high that world number one Tiger Woods, a previous winner of the Pro-Am in 2000, will also be teeing it up in Adare this July.
Speaking at the launch, tournament host JP McManus said: "We are very fortunate to have an outstanding field of top professionals who are giving their time and talent freely to support our tournament.
"We would like to thank the hundreds of volunteers, the organising committee as well as the European PGA Tour, Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort, all our supporters and spectators who have helped make it all happen.
"We also appreciate the tremendous family and local community support and we look forward to working with everyone at what promises to be two days of world class golf and great fun," JP McManus said.
The aim of the Pro-Am is to support Mid-Western charities and groups in their work with the underprivileged and the disadvantaged.
All proceeds are donated in their entirety towards the development of these services and over €55 million has been raised since its inception in 1990. Once again, the beneficiary charities have been organising pre-qualifying tournaments throughout the country in a bid to enter teams in the Pro-Am.
Spectators can choose from one of eight different coloured 'two-day entrance caps' representing Ireland, Munster Rugby and each of the Munster counties.
At a cost of €50 each they can be purchased from the website on www.jpmcmanusproam.com or at selected retail outlets.
The golf event, which has a prize fund of €1 million is comprised of 56 teams of four players competing over two days (1 professional and 3 amateurs per team).
The addition of Angel Cabrera to the field is an exciting development. Cabrera made a breakthrough Major win when capturing the 2007 US Open at Oakmont Country Club and followed up with a thrilling play-off victory in the 2009 US Masters at Augusta National.
Currently ranked number 32 in the official world rankings, Cabrera has won over 20 tournaments worldwide in a hugely successful professional career which was encouraged by his compatriot and former tour player Eduardo Romero. The Argentine was made an honorary member of the PGA European Tour in 2007 in recognition of his US Open success.
Two-time PGA Tour winner Nick Watney is one of an exciting younger generation of American players who have impressed on the PGA Tour.
The 28-year-old Californian claimed a first tour success when winning the 2007 Zurich Classic of New Orleans and confirmed his reputation as one of the emerging talents on tour when adding the 2009 Buick Invitational to his list of honours. Watney is currently ranked number 28 in the official world rankings.
JP McManus welcomed the addition of Cabrera and Watney to the world class field.
"We're delighted Angel and Nick have both agreed to play in the tournament. Angel is a truly global player who has thrilled golf fans all over the world and Nick is a truly exciting prospect who brings a freshness to the sport," JP McManus said.
The 2005 JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am event attracted an exceptional field of worldwide players including, Ben Curtis, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, John Cook, Rich Beem, Ian Poulter, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Paul Casey, Justin Rose, Graham McDowell and Colin Montgomerie who came together with celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment to provide two days of great golf. Official figures recorded an attendance of over 49,000 spectators.
Colm Kinsella
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