ADARE MANOR has become a clear favourite as the next venue for the Murphy's Irish Open. A decision, soon to be announced, is expected to bring the country's premier golfing event to the Co Limerick course in 1998 and 1999, after the current contract with Druids Glen expires in July.

The luxury development, seven miles from Limerick city, is the brainchild of New Jersey financier Tom Kane, who has invested £15 million of his own money in it. He employed the veteran American architect Robert Trent Jones to design a 7,138 yard, championship standard course in what was formerly the family estate of the Earl of Dunraven.

On a recent visit to the course, European Tour official, Andy McFee was apparently very impressed with the quality of the tees and greens. I understand, however, that some fairways are considered backward and will need considerable work over the next 12 months.

The opening of the course in 1995 was three years behind schedule, because of problems in financing the venture. Splendid progress has been made since then, however, and work on a new clubhouse is expected to start later this year. Meanwhile, the extended manor house is now a well established fivestar hotel.

A key element in the anticipated move to Adare is money. Gone are the days when members' clubs like Woodbrook, Portmarnock and Royal Dublin could expect a financial bonanza for playing host to the Irish Open. In a major turnaround, proprietary clubs are now the main players, simply because they are prepared to actually pay for the same privilege.