RTÉ has landed a golf coup: highlights for the 2027 Ryder Cup and the Irish Open secured for years – free access for Irish fans! This bombshell sends the island's greens into ecstasy and ensures local viewers the chance to follow the sport's greatest dramas live.
Adare Manor in Focus
The deal, announced on September 9, 2026, secures RTÉ the highlight rights for the 2027 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick. Even without full live coverage, this is a real coup for Irish fans who don't want to miss their home event. Thanks to a multi-year agreement, the Irish Open will continue to be broadcast on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player, completely without a paywall. Declan McBennett, Head of Sport at RTÉ, spoke of "unforgettable sporting moments" that they want to deliver free of charge to the Irish – and he is absolutely right.
Strong Field and Big Dreams
Coinciding with the announcement, this week saw the start of the Amgen Irish Open 2026 in Doonbeg, and the field is truly strong: Nine Major champions, eight of the world's top 50, and 20 Ryder Cup players are on the tee. An announcement that lets you feel the potential for a sensational round even before the first drive. Players like Shane Lowry make no secret of the fact that qualifying for the 2027 Ryder Cup is a "huge part" of their motivation.
Adding extra fuel to the fire this week was the presence of Donald Trump in Doonbeg, which gave the tournament its own unique, almost curious narrative. The Irish golf world is certainly abuzz, and RTÉ ensures that fans are right in the thick of it when the pros battle for titles on the green.
