The upcoming Irish Open will be hosted at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare, an arrangement that organizers attribute in part to the support of golf star Rory McIlroy.
In recent comments, Eric Trump highlighted the significance of McIlroy’s endorsement for the event, which is scheduled for September. He described the four-time major champion as a friend whose backing was instrumental in bringing the prestigious tournament to the coastal venue. “Without that support, I’m not even sure we’d have it here,” he noted, pledging to deliver what he called the finest Irish Open the country has ever witnessed.
The former president, Donald Trump, is also expected to attend the tournament, adding a notable political dimension to the sporting occasion.
The relationship between the Trump family and the Northern Irish golfer has developed over time, with McIlroy having previously played golf with the former president. Their interactions have included discussions on professional golf’s evolving landscape. More recently, McIlroy also spent time on the course with Kai Trump, the former president’s granddaughter and an aspiring collegiate golfer, who shared her enthusiasm for the experience online.
The dynamic drew public attention last year during the Ryder Cup, where the victorious European team, including McIlroy, was filmed chanting a good-natured taunt directed at Donald Trump, who was watching the competition. The former president later acknowledged the gesture with a congratulatory message.
The September event is now poised to be a significant moment on the golfing calendar, blending top-tier sport with the continued intersection of athletics and prominent public figures.