Participants sporting green ribbons at the Irish Open tennis tournament – reason for their unusual accessory?
In the picturesque landscape of the Irish Open, the competition is fierce, but so is the spirit of giving. This year, the tournament is not only celebrating its rich golfing heritage but also making a significant impact off the course.
Currently leading the pack is Adrien Saddier, holding a slender one-shot advantage. Hot on his heels is Angel Hidalgo, who is just one shot behind, making for an exciting final round. However, four shots back on 11 under is none other than Rory McIlroy, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the tournament.
The Irish Open has formed a meaningful partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland, serving as the Official Charity of the event, a relationship that began in 2023 and runs until 2027. This partnership has allowed the foundation to grant wishes for seriously ill children, such as 11-year-old Dáire, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as a baby and is now in remission. His heartfelt wish to meet Shane Lowry was granted by the Make-A-Wish foundation.
The green jackets worn by the players during the third round of the Irish Open are a tradition inspired by the famous green jacket awarded at the Masters Tournament, symbolising prestige and connection to classic golf heritage. This year, the green jackets take on an additional significance as they are also a show of support for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
Many players are wearing green ribbons on their hats, a gesture that started at the Irish Open but has since been seen at other tournaments such as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the Tour Championship. The green ribbons serve as a symbol of solidarity for mental health awareness, following in the footsteps of the yellow ribbons worn at the Memorial Tournament and the Play Yellow program spearheaded by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus.
This week, Amgen has pledged to donate €2 to Make-A-Wish Ireland for every person wearing something green, encouraging spectators to join the players in showing their support for the foundation. The Irish Open is more than just a golf tournament; it's a celebration of tradition, camaraderie, and the power of giving back.
