MORE THAN 40,000 people gathered at Adare Manor Golf Resort to see 12 of the top 15 golfers in the world compete at the fifth JP McManus Invitational Pro Am, along with film stars Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant and Kyle MacLachlan.
The first day of the charity tournament got off to a spectacular start with warm sunny weather ensuring the picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for the star-studded line up.
The tournament has raised €55 million for local charities since 1990.
All 30,000 entrance caps for the two-day event sold out yesterday and organisers have urged spectators not to turn up today without one.
There were huge traffic delays from early morning into Adare, but nothing could dampen the sprits of the thousands who arrived early enough for the 8am shotgun start.
The highlight of the day was the arrival of the world’s number one golfer Tiger Woods, whose private jet touched down at Shannon shortly after dawn. Yesterday marked his first appearance on this side of the Atlantic since the revelations about his personal life.
Despite looking a little tired, the golf star was immaculately turned out as he arrived at the practice green an hour before his 1.30pm tee-off.
“I’m glad everybody is here but I think Tiger adds so much,” Mr McManus said. “Having the world number one here and so many celebrities and sports people means there is something for everybody.”
Thousands headed towards the first hole for Tiger Woods’s opening shot while hundreds more waited patiently at the practice green, eager to catch the first glimpse of the superstar.
When he finally arrived the golf star said very little except to acknowledge his host.
“He’s a wonderful guy. It’s great to be back in Limerick,” he said.
Singer Andrea Corr was also at Adare Manor yesterday to support her husband Brett Desmond, son of billionaire businessman Dermot Desmond. “My husband loves golf. I’ve married into a golf fanatic family but it’s all good,” she said.
The Corrs lead singer admitted that she was thinking of taking up the game to avoid becoming a “golf widow”.
“People are warning me this could happen,” she admitted. “I don’t [play golf] yet but I might have to try at some point.”