American Anthony Kim, whose victory in the Shell Houston Open lifted him to Number 14 on the Official World Golf Ranking, has confirmed he play in the JP McManus Pro-Am at the Adare Hotel & Golf Resort in Adare, Co. Limerick, from July 5-6.
The 24-year-old Californian claimed the Houston Open in a play-off with former Ryder Cup player Vaughn Taylor on Sunday.
It gave Kim a third career win on the PGA Tour in the United States and took his career prize money to more than $10 million since he turned professional in 2006. His previous tournament victories came in the Wachovia Championship and the AT&T National, both in 2008.
Kim made his Ryder Cup debut in the 2008 success over Europe at Valhalla in Kentucky and also represented the United States in last year’s Presidents Cup win over the International Team at Harding Park in San Francisco.
His success in Houston moved him to number three in the current United States qualifying standings for The Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in October.
The addition of Kim to the world class for Adare was welcomed by tournament host JP McManus.
He said: “We’re delighted Anthony, who is a magnificent golfing talent, has decided to play in the tournament. He is an engaging player who is sure to prove a tremendous attraction to the Irish golfing public.”
Kim joins a star-studded field which already includes European Number One Lee Westwood, in-form Ernie Els, who has two wins on the PGA Tour this season, and former US Open champion Jim Furyk.
Triple-Major Champion Pádraig Harrington, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, Englishmen Ian Poulter and Paul Casey and rising US star Dustin Johnson have also committed to playing in the tournament. Padraig Harrington was the winner of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am on its last staging in 2005.
The aim of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am is to support mid-western charities and groups in their work with the underprivileged and disadvantaged. All proceeds are donated in their entirety towards the development of these services.
A record number of overseas and Irish visitors are expected to come to Limerick to enjoy the golf and atmosphere.
Spectators can choose from one of eight different coloured “two-day entrance caps” representing Ireland, Munster Rugby and each of the Munster counties and now also receive a complimentary personalised gift card with each purchase, making it the ideal gift. At a cost of €50 for two days entry, the caps can be purchased from the website onwww.jpmcmanusproam.comor at selected retail outlets.
