Irish Open will feel “different” with Trump visit

Rory McIlroy expects this year's Irish Open to feel different when Donald Trump arrives at the tournament's closing stages. The event is being held at Trump's resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, and the US president is expected to visit Ireland this weekend for two days.

Trump is due to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and hold a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He may also present the Irish Open winner with the trophy on Sunday evening. Security at the property, which Trump bought in 2014, will be significantly increased, and McIlroy said crowds could be limited while Trump is there.

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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.

“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. He said Trump is a strong supporter of golf and described the Doonbeg property as beautiful, while noting that its course is an Americanized version of a links course rather than a true links layout.

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We're here to play a golf tournament and it's a good golf course and keep our head down and play.

McIlroy said the visit would create logistical challenges, but added: “We're here to play a golf tournament and it's a good golf course and keep our head down and play.” He also said that if Trump wanted to watch the Irish Open, “who are we to say no?”

McIlroy leads a strong field that includes LIV players Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin. The 2026 LIV season ended early after the cancellation of its team championship in Michigan, adding to uncertainty about the tour's future. Rahm has declined to say much about his plans. McIlroy said players faced uncertainty over money, contracts and where they would compete in coming years, while he was glad to know his own schedule.

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who are we to say no?