Rory McIlroy makes Irish Open vow ahead of 'challenging' Donald Trump appearance

Sam Frost Fri, September 11, 2026 at 12:40 PM UTC

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Rory McIlroy is staying in his lane at the Irish Open -Credit:Warren Little/Getty Images

Rory McIlroy says he'll keep his "head down" and concentrate on the job at hand when Donald Trump turns up at the Irish Open.

McIlroy is the headline act in a stellar field at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, Co. Clare, but the competition threatens to be upstaged by the president's appearance.

He's scheduled to land in Dublin on Friday for discussions with political leaders before heading to his west coast resort over the weekend.

McIlroy, the title holder following a dramatic playoff triumph over Joakim Lagergren at The K Club 12 months ago, acknowledges Trump's presence will pose "challenges" for competitors, spectators, and officials, but he's solely focused on what he can control, rather than the "heavy" security arrangements that are anticipated. It comes after Vanessa Trump hit Tiger Woods with a deal-breaker in a foul-mouthed ultimatum.

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"Look, it's going to be different with him being here, but we're here to play a golf tournament, and it's a good golf course, and [we need to] keep our heads down and play," he told BBC Northern Ireland.

"I think the weekend, especially when he's here, crowds will be limited. Obviously there's a lot that goes on, so logistically it provides some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time, you know, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no?

Doonbeg is staging the Irish Open for the first time, a significant achievement for the course that Trump purchased for approximately $20 million in 2014.

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McIlroy experienced the course for the first time during Tuesday's practice round, and he made clear he had no concerns about the tournament taking place at a Trump-owned property.

US President Donald Trump will attend the Irish Open -Credit:Getty Images

"I've never played Doonbeg," he said at The K Club last year, before Doonbeg was confirmed as the host venue.

"I might have gone there for dinner once while I was down playing Lahinch at some point.

"I've obviously heard the rumors. I'm not sure if it's confirmed or not, or when the schedule comes out, but if it were to go there, I'd have no problem. The Scottish Championship was played at a Trump property near Aberdeen a few weeks ago and looked like it was a great event.

"We're going back to Doral next year on the PGA Tour. So if it's back on a links course, I'm not sure how Doonbeg stacks up in terms of other links courses in the country, but I'd be absolutely happy to go there and play."

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McIlroy is smart to push Trump's involvement aside; he's caught up in what looks set to be an exciting finish to the Race To Dubai.

The six-time major winner is pursuing his eighth order of merit title, which would match Colin Montgomerie's record. He currently sits second in the rankings behind longtime adversary Patrick Reed, with Eugenio Chacarra trailing closely in third position.

It comes as NFL star Aaron Rodgers brutally slammed "sham" Trump and said that "there's no MAGA movement."

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Source: “AOL Sports”