Smurfit Westrock Becomes a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup
Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America today announced that Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has signed a new agreement to become a Worldwide Partner and the Official Packaging Innovation Partner, to the next three editions of the Ryder Cup.
Established in 1927, the biennial competition pits 12 of the top professional golfers from the U.S. and Europe against each other in a head-to-head match play competition that has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating an audience of millions around the globe. The 2027 match will take place at Adare Manor in Limerick, Ireland, and will see the Ryder Cup celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Headquartered in Dublin, Smurfit Westrock is known for producing sustainable, paper-based packaging solutions made from materials that are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. This new agreement, encompassing the 2027, 2029 and 2031 Ryder Cups, advances Smurfit Westrock’s ambition to be one of the world’s great companies by partnering with one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. Smurfit Westrock will use its expertise to help support the Ryder Cup’s wide network of commercial partners and suppliers to introduce best-in-class sustainable packaging solutions to golf’s greatest team contest.
Smurfit Westrock already has historic links to the event. The retired Chairman of Jefferson Smurfit Group, Dr Michael Smurfit, played a vital role in bringing the 2006 Ryder Cup to the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland. Smurfit Westrock also has historic links to the DP World Tour, where it was Title Partner of the European Open from 1995 to 2007.
“Smurfit Westrock has always had a strong connection to golf in Ireland,” said Tony Smurfit, President and Group CEO of Smurfit Westrock. “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. We are also proud to support JP McManus and his family in bringing the Ryder Cup back, as the event holds great significance for Irish sport and the broader economy.”
Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour group, added: “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.”
Terry Clark, CEO of the PGA of America, added: “The 2027 Ryder Cup will stand as a spectacular celebration of the event’s 100-year anniversary, and we are proud to welcome Smurfit Westrock as a Worldwide Partner for this historic occasion. Smurfit Westrock’s renowned expertise in sustainable packaging and recycling will be a tremendous asset to each of the next three Ryder Cups, including our return to Hazeltine National Golf Club in 2029.”
The Ryder Cup and Smurfit Westrock launched the new partnership today at an event in Dublin hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
