A major new Irish commercial partnership has been confirmed for one of global sport’s most prestigious events, with Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America announcing that Smurfit Westrock has signed on as a Worldwide Partner and Official Packaging Innovation Partner for the next three editions of the Ryder Cup.
The agreement will span the 2027, 2029 and 2031 tournaments, aligning one of Ireland’s most prominent global companies with a sporting event that commands a worldwide audience of millions and continues to grow in commercial and cultural significance.
The 2027 Ryder Cup, to be staged at Adare Manor, will mark the 100th anniversary of the event, positioning it as one of the most significant sporting occasions ever hosted on the island of Ireland.
Headquartered in Dublin, Smurfit Westrock’s involvement reflects both the global reach of the company and its deep Irish heritage. The business is a recognised leader in sustainable, paper-based packaging, with a focus on renewable, recyclable and biodegradable materials.
The partnership will see Smurfit Westrock play a central role in supporting the Ryder Cup’s network of suppliers and partners, introducing sustainable packaging solutions across event operations.
The addition of a dedicated Packaging Innovation Partner highlights the increasing importance of sustainability within major international sporting events.
Richard Atkinson, Chief Ryder Cup Officer at the European Tour group, said the ambition is to make the 2027 event the most sustainable Ryder Cup ever staged, with Smurfit Westrock’s expertise critical to achieving that goal.
The scale of the opportunity is significant, with the Ryder Cup widely regarded as one of the most commercially powerful events in sport, combining elite competition with global broadcast reach and premium partner activation.
The announcement also carries a strong historical resonance. Dr Michael Smurfit, former Chairman of Jefferson Smurfit Group, played a key role in bringing the 2006 Ryder Cup to The K Club, a milestone moment for Irish golf.
Smurfit Westrock has also maintained long-standing links to the professional game through its previous title sponsorship of the European Open on the DP World Tour.
Tony Smurfit, President and Group CEO, highlighted the significance of returning to the Ryder Cup stage in Ireland, noting the opportunity to showcase both the country and the company on a global platform, while also supporting the efforts of JP McManus in bringing the event to Limerick.
Terry Clark, CEO of the PGA of America, emphasised the broader value of the agreement across multiple editions of the Ryder Cup, including the 2029 tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club.
Beyond brand visibility, the partnership underlines the increasing convergence of sport, sustainability and global business strategy. For Ireland, it represents another example of a homegrown company leveraging a major international event to demonstrate innovation and leadership on a world stage.
The partnership was formally launched in Dublin at an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, reinforcing the strong transatlantic ties that underpin both the Ryder Cup and Smurfit Westrock’s global operations.
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