DUBLIN, Ireland – Over 230 Golf VIPs in Ireland, CEO’s, Managers of U.S. Multinationals, and golf media, attended a private reception and panel on ‘Golfing Ties between the U.S. and Ireland,’ hosted by Edward Walsh, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, at his Residence in Dublin.
The event kicked off a series of events to mark America250, the Quincentennial of the United States in 2026.
The panel, featuring Irish golf legends Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley, was moderated by Ann Liguori, award-winning Sports Talk Show Host, Golf Radio and TV personality, Author, and President of Ann Liguori Productions, Inc.
During the question and answer, 6-time Ryder Cup competitor and 2021 European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington shared that he would like to be considered to captain the European Ryder Cup team in 2027 at Adare Manor.
Ambassador Walsh said that “golfing ties between the United States and Ireland have long served as a subtle yet powerful form of cultural diplomacy. Ireland’s world-renowned courses, such as Doonbeg, Carne, Lahinch, Portmarnock, and Royal County Down, attract thousands of American golfers each year, creating people-to-people connections that transcend politics.”
“Ireland has less than 1% of the world’s golf courses but 33% of the world’s links courses,” added Ambassador Walsh. “These are truly exciting times for golf on the island of Ireland.”
The program also featured Patrick O’Donovan, Irish Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport; Fiona Togher, General Manager, Carne Golf Club; Fraser Thomson, Director of Golf, Adare Manor; and Max Hamilton, Executive Commercial Director, European Tour Group, discussing the bridge between the U.S. and Ireland in golf, a sport that transcends borders, in addition to preparations taking place for the 2026 Irish Open and the 2027 Ryder Cup.