Five out of 10 confirmed for Limerick

GOLF NEWS: FIVE OF the world's top 10 players have so far committed to playing in the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor Golf Resort in Co Limerick next July, with the confirmation yesterday that Lee Westwood, Paul Casey and Rory McIlroy will join world number one Tiger Woods and Pádraig Harrington in the field.

Westwood, the world’s number four, and McIlroy, ranked 10th, were involved in a season-long duel for this year’s European Tour order of merit which was only decided in the final counting event at the Dubai World Championship which was won by the Englishman to claim his second Harry Vardon Trophy.

Casey, whose season has been hampered by a serious rib muscle injury sustained after the British Open in July, is currently ranked number six in the world.

McIlroy’s commitment to the JP McManus Pro-Am – which takes place on July 5th-6th next – will constitute his first appearance in the event, which supports charities in the mid-west.

Over €55 million has been raised since the tournament’s inception in 1990 (it takes place every five years) and, once again, the beneficiary charities are organising pre-qualifying tournaments throughout the country in a bid to enter teams in the Pro-Am.

Spectators can choose from one of any two-day entrance caps – representing Ireland, Munster Rugby and each of the Munster counties – which are currently on sale at a cost of €50 on www.jpmcmanusproam.com or at selected retail outlets.

Woods and world number five Harrington, who won the event in 2005, have previously committed to the tournament.

Westwood was yesterday named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Month for November. He was the unanimous choice of the voting panel which comprised members of the Association of Golf Writers, in addition to commentators from television and radio.

Meanwhile, Geoff Ogilvy is favourite to win the Australian Open (live on Sky Sports from 6am tomorrow morning), thought he is expected to face tough opposition from fellow Australians Adam Scott, Michael Sim, Stuart Appleby and Aaron Baddeley at the links-style New South Wales course at La Perouse.

The field for the Sydney tournament does not include any Irish competitors.