Woods still expected at Adare in July

Tiger Woods at Adare Manor in 2005

Tiger Woods looks set to keep his promise and tee it up for charity in July’s JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am.

At least that’s the view of billionaire organiser McManus, who hopes to raise millions for good causes when a stellar field turns up at Adare Manor from July 5-6.

Woods promised McManus 18 months ago he would tee it up in Limerick this summer.

And while that was before the world No 1’s life was turned upside down following a series of sensational sex scandals, McManus still expects the 14-time major winner to keep his word.

McManus said: “Of course I would love to see him there, he would be most welcome. He first heard about it from me 18 months ago.

“He said he would come and he would spend some time here, maybe a few days afterwards. I haven’t heard differently since.”

Woods went underground for four months when he crashed his car outside his home in Orlando less than 24 hours after he was exposed as a love cheat.

He played in the mega, charity pro-am in 2000 and 2005 and regards McManus - who paid for his wedding to Elin Nordegren at Sandy Lane - as one of his close friends.

Woods and McManus were seen hugging during the world No 1’s return to the game at the Masters two weeks ago and the American’s presence in Limerick is vital to the fund-raising effort.

McManus added: “When I asked Tiger last November 12 months, he said sure, he’d be here and I have not heard anything different.

“We met at Augusta but we didn’t discuss it. So until I hear he is not coming, I take it he’s coming. I have known Tiger Woods for some years and if he said he’s coming, he’ll be here.”

The two-day bash has raised more than €55m for charities in the Shannon region since it was first held at Limerick Golf Club in 1990.

After raising €1.2m in 1990 and €4m for charity in 1995, the arrival of Woods saw the cash bonanza soar to €19.5m in 2000 and a massive €31m at Adare Manor five years ago.

This year’s field is a who’s who of the greatest players in the game with two-time major winner Angel Cabrera and rising US star Nick Watney the latest names to commit.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington and Irish stars Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke have already confirmed their presence.

They will be joined by the likes of Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Anthony Kim, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald, Robert Allenby and Camilo Villegas. 

A long list of sports stars will join “A-list” celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Samuel L Jackson, Kyle MacLachlan and Aidan Quinn.

Two-day “entrance caps” are available at €50 each from www.jpmcmanusproam.com or selected retail outlets.