Woods adds name to list for Manor gathering

INVITATIONAL PRO-AM:IRISH GOLF fans will get a rare chance to see Tiger Woods compete at close quarters after the world number one confirmed his participation in next month's JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor in Limerick.

It will be Woods’s first competitive appearance outside the United States since well documented problems about his personal life emerged at the end of 2009 and were followed by a self-imposed exile from the game earlier this year.

Even when playing on the USPGA Tour these days, the 34-year-old tends to address his playing schedule on a week-to-week basis, so it’s something of a coup getting him to compete in Ireland.

Outside of the 150th British Open at St Andrews in July and potentially the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October, Adare could be the only time Woods competitively tees it up this side of the Atlantic in 2010.

“I am very happy to be joining this outstanding field,” said Woods, who makes up 12 of the world’s top 15 confirmed to play in the charity event at the former Irish Open venue.

“Like my own foundation I understand the importance and necessity of raising funds to help deserving individuals. This tournament does just that.”

Other leading players include 2005 champion Pádraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy. European number one Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, Ian Poulter, Ernie Els, Luke Donald, Paul Casey and Rickie Fowler are just some of the high-profile names who will play alongside the celebrities in the two-day charity event on July 5th-6th.

“We are delighted Tiger has agreed to include the tournament in his schedule,” said tournament host JP McManus.

“Tiger has been a tremendous supporter of our endeavours to raise funds for causes in the region and I am sure everyone will appreciate his participation and give him a great Irish welcome on his return to Adare.”

On its last staging in 2005 the tournament raised over €30million for charities and groups in the mid-west region.

To date 24,800 of the 30,000 baseball caps, which act as ticket entry into the 36-hole spectacle, have been sold at a cost of €50. Caps can still be purchased at www.jpmcmanusproam.com.