July2 starsturnout

A star-studded line-up is being assembled for Wednesday’s Pro-Am which precedes the Smurfit Kappa European Open at The K Club.

Hurling legend DJ Carey, former Ireland rugby captain Keith Wood, and former Chelsea and Italy soocer superstar Gianfranco Zola are three of the many personalities from the world of sport who will be teeing it up.

With free attendance offered to all spectators on the day, huge crowds are expected to flock to the Straffan venue which staged Europe’s record-equalling Ryder Cup victory over the United States last September. 

Denis Joseph Carey, known throughout Ireland as simply DJ, is widely recognised as one of the greatest exponents of hurling the game has ever known. He played for Kilkenny from 1990 to 2005 before retiring and will be making a welcome return to the Smurfit Kappa European Open Pro-Am.

Wood has competed in several Pro-Ams over the years and utilises the same competitive spirit in them which saw him win 58 caps for Ireland and appear twice for the Lions. Nicknamed ‘The Raging Potato’ because of his bald head and combative style, Wood was inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame in 2005 and his 15 full international tries are still a record for a hooker.

Making his debut at The K Club is Gianfranco Zola and the diminutive Italian, whose sublime skills saw him voted the Football Writers’ Player of Year in 1997 during his time with Chelsea, is set to enjoy the week more than most as he celebrates his 41st birthday the following day.

“Since retiring from football I have become mad about golf and so I am really looking forward to playing at The K Club for the first time,” he said. “I watched The Ryder Cup last year and it looks a great course and I can’t wait to see how I play there in front of the fantastic Irish golf fans.

“It will be a big day for me and it would be wonderful if I could win  – that would provide the icing on my birthday cake!”