Irish Open will feel 'different' with Trump visit

Irish Open will feel 'different' with Trump visit Rory McIlroy acknowledged that the upcoming Irish Open will take on a distinct atmosphere because of the anticipated visit by former U.S. President Donald Trump during the tournament’s later stages. Trump is expected to attend the event, which is being staged at his property in Doonbeg, County Clare, as part of a two‑day trip to Ireland. McIlroy, who has previously played golf with Trump, noted that the former president praised his achievements after back‑to‑back Masters victories earlier this year. “It's going to be different, but the 1 happening I'd accidental is his play resorts person hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson. “He's a large instrumentality of golf, he's a fantastic protagonist of golf. He's got a beauteous spot present successful Doonbeg - it's the archetypal clip I've played it. I wouldn't accidental it's a existent links play course, it's a spot of an Americanised mentation of a links course, but it's inactive a large play people and should supply a bully trial for the week.” “It's going to be antithetic with him being present but we're present to play a play tourney and it's a bully play people and support our caput down and play.” Regarding the broader itinerary, McIlroy added that Trump will meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and hold bilateral talks with Taoiseach Micheal Martin during his long‑planned visit. He may also present the Irish Open champion with the trophy on Sunday evening, an occasion set against markedly heightened security at the Doonbeg site, which Trump acquired in 2014. “I deliberation the weekend, particularly erstwhile he's present [will consciousness different], crowds volition beryllimited,” McIlroy said. “Obviously, there's a batch that goes on. So, logistically, it provides immoderate challenges, absolutely. But astatine the aforesaid time, if helium wants to travel and ticker the Irish Open, who are we to accidental no?”