LIMERICK’S hurling legends have teed the competition for the Ryder Cup in Adare off early in a way only they can, by bringing the poc fada to the fairways of the world-class Adare Manor. Sort of.
The trio of Declan Hannon, Gearóid Hegarty, and Barry Nash are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table in the Ryder Cup Titans of the Tee competition.
The competition, set on a virtual simulation of the lengthy ninth hole at Adare Manor, sees teams of professional athletes duke it out for the longest drive, with each competitor given two attempts to give it as much welly as they can for early Ryder Cup bragging rights.
The Limerick lads have set the standard so far in the competition, with a combined 857 yards between Hannon, Hegarty, and Nash – who led the charge for the Treaty men with an impressive 319 yards.
Nash stated that he models his golfing game on US great Phil Mickelson, while Hannon modestly admitted that he was more of a Happy Gilmore.
Hegarty revealed that he has been a keen golfer from a young age, joining his father on the fairways for fun in his early years.
Nash set the standard on Shannonside with his 319-yard drive, with former captain Hannon coming in at 264. Despite driving the ball onto an adjacent fairway, Hegarty hit home on 275.
The challenge was taken to the Treaty men this past week by Everton FC stalwarts Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, joined by former cruiserweight world boxing champion Tony Bellew.
The Evertonians put in an impressive performance, falling just short of Team Limerick’s 857 record with 852.
Jordan Pickford, a keen golfer when not on the pitch, described Adare Manor as “the best golf course I’ve ever played”.
Pickford hit home on 278 yards, Bellew on 260, while Keane gave Nash some pause for thought with a 315-yard smash.
Limerick and Everton are joined on the leaderboard by McLaren Racing (782) and the Team GB swimmners (727).
The renowned Ryder Cup will tee off in Adare Manor in 2027 and will see the top golfing talent in the world descend on Shannonside.
