Irish Open golf tournament
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The gist
Rory McIlroy defends his Irish Open title at Trump International Doonbeg, a first-time venue, from September.
Trump's expected weekend visit adds security and protest subplots around the $6 million event.
Background
The Amgen Irish Open, first held in 1927 and a continuous DP World Tour stop since 1975, is celebrating its 71st edition. This year it moves to Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare — the first time the event has been held there and the 19th different venue in its 52 DP World Tour editions. The Greg Norman-designed links opened in 2002, was bought by The Trump Organisation in 2014 and redesigned by Dr Martin Hawtree two years later. McIlroy, the defending champion and world No. 2, said the tour asked his opinion on Doonbeg as a venue and he supported it, noting the Irish Open had not been in that part of Ireland since Lahinch in 2019.
How it unfolded
- Sep 7, 2026BBC Sport reports Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in County Clare will host the Irish Open for the first time, with McIlroy headlining the field.
- Sep 8, 2026The DP World Tour publishes its 'Five Things to Know', confirming Doonbeg as the 19th different venue in the event's 52 DP World Tour editions.
- Sep 9, 2026McIlroy holds a pre-tournament press conference, saying the tour sought his view on Doonbeg and that Trump's expected visit will make the week 'different' and pose logistical challenges.
- Sep 10, 2026The tournament begins at Trump International in Doonbeg, running through Sunday, September 13, with a $6 million purse and $1.02 million to the winner.
Who’s saying what
- Defending champion
- McIlroy said the tour asked whether Doonbeg would suit the Irish Open and he backed it, calling it a very good golf course with onsite accommodation, while noting Trump's visit brings logistical challenges and a different feel.
- Caution
- Today's Golfer reports that Trump's visit concerns players, with anticipation of large protests in the village and a possible tournament delay if his helicopter lands during play, as happened at a LIV event at his Bedminster course.
- Analysts
- A Sports Illustrated betting preview calls McIlroy the rightful favorite, noting he has won the event twice, including last year, and was runner-up in 2024.
Still unverified
Which day Trump will attend is an open question; BBC Sport has reported he could be at the tournament on Sunday and could present the trophy, and a White House official said last month he planned to attend. Reports of anticipated protests and a possible delay if his helicopter lands during play are expectations, not confirmed events.