Smurfit Westrock becomes Worldwide Partner of Ryder Cup
Paul McGinley at today’s launch
Smurfit Westrock today announced a multi-year agreement to become a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup.
This marks a meaningful milestone for Dublin-headquartered paper-based packaging company as it celebrates the return of the Ryder Cup to Ireland alongside golf fans, players and partners.
“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.”
Smurfit Westrock’s association with golf and the Ryder Cup is long-standing.
The company and its then Chairman and CEO, Dr. Michael Smurfit, played a pivotal role in bringing the Ryder Cup to The K Club in Ireland in 2006 and further deepened its ties to world-class professional golf by sponsoring the European Open for a number of years at the same venue.
The partnership reflects Smurfit Westrock’s global footprint and strong customer focus, with the majority of its customers based across Europe and the United States, mirroring the unique transatlantic nature of the Ryder Cup.
As the Official Packaging Innovation Partner of the Ryder Cup, Smurfit Westrock is proud to contribute to an event with shared values of integrity, respect and a commitment to excellence.
The Ryder Cup will provide a platform to bring Smurfit Westrock’s innovation capabilities to life for customers and other stakeholders, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable packaging and commitment to continuous improvement.
The partnership is strengthened by an aligned vision between the Ryder Cup, Smurfit Westrock and host Adare Manor to advance innovative, sustainable packaging solutions designed to enhance the spectator experience and support the ambition to deliver the most sustainable Ryder Cup to date.
Renewed connection with Paul McGinley
As part of its broader Ryder Cup engagement, Smurfit Westrock is pleased to renew its association with Irish professional golfer, Paul McGinley, who was the touring professional at The K Club in the early 2000s.
McGinley led Europe to Ryder Cup victory both as a captain in 2014 and a player, by sinking the winning putt in 2002.
“I’m delighted to be associated with Smurfit Westrock again, with whom I have had a long and successful history,” said McGinley.
“I very much look forward to representing the company on its Ryder Cup journey.”
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.”
Smurfit Westrock’s partnership with the Ryder Cup includes the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor, the 2029 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, and the 2031 Ryder Cup at Camiral in Costa Brava, near Barcelona.
The Ryder Cup and Smurfit Westrock announced the launch of their partnership at an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland today.
