Rory McIlroy is the needle at the Irish Open. As the undisputed greatest golfer to hail from the island of Ireland, perhaps the greatest active golfer alive and the defending championMcIlroy will have the fans fully behind him this week.
But, at least for one day of the event, McIlroy is expected to have some competition in the fame and attention departments – when President Trump makes an appearance.
This week’s Amgen Irish Open takes place at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Ireland, and President Trump is expected to attend at least one of the weekend’s rounds.
In brief comments to BBC Sport on tuesday and in his Irish Open press conference on Wednesday, McIlroy addressed Trump’s planned visit, shared his thoughts on how the president’s appearance will affect the tournament and even revealed his direct role in bringing the Irish Open to Trump’s course.
McIlroy on Trump at the Irish Open: “Logistically provides some challenges”
McIlroy won his first Irish Open in 2016. Two years ago, he finished runner-up at Royal County Downbefore claiming his second title last year at the K Club, which he called “a magical weekend” on Wednesday.
If Trump appears at Doonbeg, the six-time major champion he expects the tournament to feel different from the past two years.
“Look, it’s going to be different with him here,” McIlroy said BBC Sport on tuesday “But, you know, we’re here to play a golf tournament, and it’s a good golf course and keep your head down and play.”
In particular, McIlroy pointed to the “logistical” problems that arise from intensive security measures put in place wherever a US president travels.
“I think the weekend especially when he’s there, you know, the crowd will be limited, obviously, there’s a lot going on,” McIlroy said. “So, yes, logistically it provides some challenges. Absolutely.”
McIlroy expanded on that thought during his pre-tournament press conference Wednesday at the Irish Open.
“I think when the assiduous president of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge,” McIlroy said. “There is a lot that goes into it. Obviously they have to close a specific area and make sure that it is safe for him to travel in, and the whole delegation, whatever it is. Logistically, it provides a bit of a challenge, but we are in one of his properties that has kindly provided us to play a golf tournament.”
That doesn’t mean McIlroy thinks Trump shouldn’t attend. Since Trump is the owner of the course and the president, McIlroy made it clear that his presence is welcome.
“I said yesterday, the president of the United States wants to come and see some golf. I think we’re all happy to be here, grateful to be here,” McIlroy said. “His presence at the Irish Open makes it a truly international event. That brings more attention and eyes to the Irish Open, and that can only be a good thing.”
McIlroy not only welcomed Trump’s appearance, but also played a role in the Irish Open coming to Trump’s Doonbeg course, McIlroy said during his press conference.
McIlroy said he and President Trump’s son, Eric, live near each other in Florida, and their children attend the same school.
The DP World Tour also asked McIlroy’s opinion about holding the Irish Open at Trump’s Doonbeg course, and he endorsed the idea.
“So the DP World Tour reached out to me and said, ‘Do you think Doonbeg will be a suitable venue for the Irish Open?’ I said, ‘Look, I haven’t been there, but from all accounts, I’ve heard it’s a very, very good golf course with on-site lodging,'” McIlroy said. “The Irish Open hasn’t been in this part of the world in many years since Lahinch in 2019. I think that would be a good thing.”
Trump may arrive at the Irish Open in the middle of the weekend
Which day the president will attend the Irish Open is an open question. Trump is planning a two-day trip to Ireland starting Saturday, and plans to meet with Irish Taoiseach, or prime minister, Michael Martin.
BBC Sport said Trump could be at the tournament on Sunday and could present the trophy to the winner.
But according to the comments, the director of the Irish Open tournament Paul Gillmon did to the Irish ExaminerTrump could still reach the middle of Saturday’s third round, which could lead to a game stoppage.
“If it were to happen, it would be kept to an absolute minimum so as not to disrupt the game and keep the players moving,” Gillmon told Irish Examiner.
During his press conference Wednesday morning, McIlroy was asked if Trump arriving during the game would be a distraction for the players, and he admitted it would be “disruptive.”
“Yeah, I don’t know what the protocol will be on Saturday when the president arrives. Look, is it a little disruptive to play? Absolutely,” said McIlroy. “But again, there are protocols in place for a reason, and all we can do is follow them and respect them, and whenever we’re ready to play again, we put our heads down and go play.”
The US Secret Service is keeping details of President Trump’s visit scarce for security reasons, so Irish Open organizers are preparing for several possibilities.
“We’ve put measures in place so that we can communicate with all stakeholders about what’s going on,” Gillmon said in his Irish Examiner interview “We are working with the tournament team as to what the scenario would be if it were to come during the game, and we will execute that if and when it is confirmed.”
The Amgen Irish Open 2026 officially started on Thursday 10th September.