Ballygowan, the Natural Mineral Water brand owned by Britvic Ireland, has announced a major new partnership after being confirmed as an Official Supporter of the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will be staged at Adare Manor in Co. Limerick.
The agreement represents a high-profile commercial alignment for one of the most prestigious events in world sport and brings together a globally recognised tournament with one of Ireland’s most established consumer brands. Ballygowan is Ireland’s number one bottled water brand and is sourced and bottled in Newcastle West, just 30 minutes from the host venue, creating what both parties have described as a genuinely local partnership for an event of international scale.
Structured as a bespoke, Ireland-only agreement, the partnership reflects the unique opportunity presented by the Ryder Cup’s return to Irish soil. Under the terms of the deal, Ballygowan will be the exclusive water category partner for the 2027 event, reinforcing the tournament’s association with Irish-produced goods and suppliers.
As part of the activation, thousands of litres of Ballygowan Natural Mineral Water will be supplied to players, officials, volunteers and spectators throughout the week of competition. Sustainability will be a central feature of the partnership, with organisers highlighting the minimal transport distance between source and venue — just 24 kilometres — as a key advantage in reducing road miles and associated environmental impact.
The 2027 Ryder Cup is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to Adare Manor across the week, while a global television audience running into the hundreds of millions will follow the contest worldwide. The scale of the event is anticipated to deliver substantial economic and tourism benefits, while placing Ireland firmly in the international sporting spotlight.
For Ballygowan, the announcement also signals a return to the Ryder Cup stage. The brand previously served as Official Water Sponsor when Ireland last hosted the event at The K Club in 2006. That tournament is widely regarded as one of the most successful Ryder Cups staged, both in sporting and commercial terms.
The company’s association with elite golf extends beyond the Ryder Cup. Ballygowan has been a long-term partner of the Amgen Irish Open on the DP World Tour, a relationship that has been in place since 2006 and underlines the brand’s sustained investment in the sport.
Commenting on the announcement, Kevin Donnelly, Managing Director of Britvic Ireland, said the partnership was rooted in both heritage and geography. “We are incredibly proud to return as an Official Supporter of the Ryder Cup in 2027,” he said.
“This partnership reflects Ballygowan’s heritage, its local roots in Limerick, and its long-standing connection with professional golf. Given that Ballygowan is bottled and sourced just 24km from Adare Manor, this is a unique opportunity to support one of the world’s greatest sporting events in a way that is local, practical, and sustainable.”
From an event perspective, organisers welcomed the return of a familiar Irish brand with proven Ryder Cup experience.
Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour Group, said Ballygowan’s profile and provenance made it a natural fit for the 2027 edition.
“The Ryder Cup is one of the most iconic events in world sport, and we are delighted to welcome Ballygowan back as an Official Supporter for 2027,” Atkinson said.
“Ballygowan’s strong Irish heritage, its local Limerick source and its proven track record at the Ryder Cup make it a natural partner as the event returns to Ireland for its 100th anniversary.”
Preparations continue at Adare Manor as the venue readies itself to host the contest, with significant investment underway to ensure facilities meet the demands of a modern Ryder Cup.
The confirmation of Ballygowan as an Official Supporter adds to a growing list of commercial partnerships underpinning the delivery of the event and highlights the role of Irish brands in supporting one of the most watched and celebrated competitions in global sport.
Watch out for a special event for Sport for Business members in connection with Golf that will be taking place in the coming weeks.
Image Credit: Ryder Cup
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