Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America have entered a new agreement with Smurfit Westrock, appointing the sustainable packaging company as a worldwide partner and official packaging innovation partner for the next three Ryder Cup tournaments.
The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most high-profile events, is contested every two years between teams from Europe and the US.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The 2027 tournament will take place at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, marking the event’s 100th anniversary.
Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour group Richard Atkinson said: “The Ryder Cup promises to be the biggest sporting event ever staged on the Island of Ireland.
“The opportunity for locally rooted businesses to showcase their expertise to a global audience is tremendous, and we’re delighted to welcome an Irish company of Smurfit Westrock’s pedigree to our worldwide partner family. We also want to make the next Ryder Cup at Adare Manor the most sustainable ever staged, and Smurfit Westrock’s products and expertise will be vital to fulfilling this ambition.”
Under this arrangement, Smurfit Westrock will provide packaging solutions for the 2027, 2029, and 2031 tournaments.
The company is tasked with supporting the Ryder Cup’s commercial operations and supply chain by introducing more sustainable packaging practices.
Smurfit Westrock has previous involvement in major golf events.
Jefferson Smurfit Group’s former chairman Michael Smurfit was instrumental in bringing the 2006 Ryder Cup to County Kildare.
The company also served as title partner for the European Open between 1995 and 2007.
The new partnership was announced at an event in Dublin hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
Smurfit Westrock will also continue its association with Paul McGinley, who played a pivotal role in Europe’s Ryder Cup teams both as a player and captain.
Smurfit Westrock president and group CEO Tony Smurfit commented: “Smurfit Westrock has always had a strong connection to golf in Ireland.
“As our company has grown globally, our Irish roots remain deeply important. I’m thrilled for Smurfit Westrock to be part of the Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in the 100th year of the event, as we showcase Ireland, Smurfit Westrock and the game of golf at its very best.”
