Rory McIlroy: Defending champion expecting ‘different’ Irish Open with President Trump visit – BBC Sport
BBC Homepage | Skip to content | Accessibility Help | Your account
Home
- News
- Sport
- Earth
- Reel
- Worklife
- Travel
- Culture
- Future
- Music
- TV
- Weather
- Sounds
BBC Sport
Home
- Football
- Cricket
- Formula 1
- Rugby U
- Tennis
- Golf
- Cycling
- Athletics
- More
A-Z Sports:
- American Football
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Darts
- Disability Sport
- Football
- Formula 1
- Gaelic Games
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Horse Racing
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Motorsport
- Netball
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Full Sports A-Z
Quizzes | News Feeds | Help & FAQs
Golf
Leaderboards | Calendar
Irish Open will feel ‘different’ with Trump visit
Image: Getty Images
Image caption: McIlroy is hoping to win his third Irish Open title this week
By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI senior journalist in Doonbeg
Published 22 minutes ago
Rory McIlroy admits this year’s Irish Open will feel like a "different" spectacle given US President Donald Trump’s anticipated visit during the tournament’s latter stages.
Trump is expected to attend the event—which is being held at his resort in the County Clare village of Doonbeg—this weekend as part of a two-day visit to Ireland.
McIlroy has previously played golf with Trump, who earlier this year praised the Northern Irishman’s accomplishments on the course after winning back-to-back Masters titles.
"It’s going to be different, but the one thing I’d say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson.
"He’s a big fan of golf, he’s a wonderful supporter of golf. He’s got a beautiful property here in Doonbeg—it’s the first time I’ve played it. I wouldn’t say it’s a true links golf course, it’s a bit of an Americanised version of a links course, but it’s still a great golf course and should provide a good test for the week."
During his long-planned visit to Ireland, Trump will meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and hold a bilateral meeting with the Taoiseach [Irish prime minister] Micheal Martin. He may also present the Irish Open winner with the trophy on Sunday evening amid a significantly enhanced security presence at the property he purchased in 2014.
"I think the weekend, especially when he’s here [will feel different], crowds will be limited," added McIlroy. "Obviously, there’s a lot that goes on. So, logistically, it provides some challenges, absolutely. But at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no?"
‘We’ll see’ – Rahm unaffected by LIV ‘turbulence’
Published 5 hours ago
Trump set to attend star-studded Irish Open at Doonbeg
Published 1 day ago
Six-time major winner McIlroy headlines a strong field at Doonbeg that also features LIV players such as Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tom McKibbin.
The 2026 LIV season ended early following the cancellation of its team championship in Michigan amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the tour’s future.
On Tuesday, two-time major winner Rahm was tight-lipped about his future and said he was not fretting about the "turbulence" away from the course.
