This year's Irish Open will be different, believes Rory McIlroy, should US President Donald Trump follow through with his announced visit. An announcement that has already electrified the event before the first tee shot.
Avid golf enthusiast Trump is expected this weekend. The venue is his own resort in picturesque Doonbeg, County Clare – part of a two-day trip to Ireland. McIlroy and Trump have played together on the course several times before. Just this year (2026!), Trump celebrated the Northern Irishman after he secured back-to-back Masters titles.
“Of course, it will be different,” McIlroy told the BBC, “but his resorts have already hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, and even LIV events.” The Northern Irishman continued: “He’s a massive fan of the sport, a top supporter. And he has an incredible property here in Doonbeg – it’s my first time here. It will be different with him on site, but we are here to play golf, on a really good course. Head down and get on with it, that’s the plan.”
Trump, who will also meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheal Martin, could even personally present the trophy to the Irish Open Champion on Sunday. A prospect that alone gives goosebumps. But such prominence comes at a price: should Trump really be there, security measures would likely be massively ramped up – and that could reduce spectator numbers. The 37-year-old McIlroy, one of only six golfers to have won all four major championships, sees this pragmatically: “The weekend, especially with him here, will feel different. Spectator numbers will be limited.” He admits: “Logistically, it absolutely brings some challenges. But if he wants to see the Irish Open, who are we to say no?”
McIlroy has a very special history with the tournament: in 2025, he claimed his second Irish Open title. Back then, at the K Club in Kildare, he sank an eagle on the final hole, propelling him into a playoff with Joakim Lagergren. On the third extra hole, he then defeated the Swede and triumphed. “For a few years, I wasn’t particularly proud of my performance at the Irish Open,” admits McIlroy, whose first victory at the event also came at the K Club in 2016. “I simply struggled to deal with the obligations or the pressure. But these days, I’m a bit more relaxed about it.”
