Rory McIlroy aims to defend his Irish Open title at Doonbeg this week, with golf-mad US President Donald Trump tipped to present Sunday’s trophy
Rory McIlroy is setting his sights on back-to-back Irish Open titles as a star-studded field descends on Doonbeg, with golf-obsessed US President Donald Trump set to watch on. The 2026 Amgen Irish Open tees off on Thursday at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, marking the first time the DP World Tour showdown will take place along the dramatic Doughmore Beach coastline.
A stacked line-up is heading to the County Clare links for a shot at the $6million (£4.4m) prize purse. Reigning champion McIlroy leads the pack alongside big hitters Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, and Brooks Koepka.
Adding extra drama to the week, President Trump is expected to touch down in Ireland for a two-day visit.
The 80-year-old, who bought the Doonbeg resort back in 2014, is due to meet with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheal Martin before heading to his coastal golf haven on Saturday.
Reports suggest Trump could even step up to present the trophy to Sunday’s winner.
Trump’s passion for the sport is no secret. At last September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Air Force One delighted American fans with a flyover on opening day before the President took his seat near the first tee. Europe ultimately edged out the US 15-13 in a thriller.
Trump is no stranger to crashing the winner’s circle, either. He famously stuck around on stage after handing Spain the World Cup trophy during the summer, echoing his awkward podium appearance when Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup a year earlier.
McIlroy will be hoping to hold the silverware high regardless of who hands it over. The Grand Slam king secured last year’s crown in dramatic fashion at The K Club, hitting a stunning eagle on the 72nd hole before taking down Joakim Lagergren in a playoff.
He will face stiff competition from LIV Golf star Koepka, who is relishing his return to European soil. Koepka said: “I’m looking forward to coming back to Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open.
“I’m excited to experience the challenges of links golf at Doonbeg for the first time, and once again play in front of some of the most passionate golf fans. It’s always great to be back playing in Europe.”
Two-time champion Rahm is also targeting another Irish triumph following previous victories at Portstewart in 2017 and Lahinch in 2019.
Rahm said: “Winning this tournament twice means a lot to me and it’s always a place I enjoy playing. The courses, the fans and the challenge of links golf make it a special week.” The action gets underway at 7am on Thursday morning.