Rory McIlroy: Donald Trump's Irish Open visit 'can only be a good thing'

McIlroy also spoke about his friendship with the US president's son Eric and the continuing demise of LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy is fully supportive of the Irish Open winner receiving an invitation to the Masters. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Rory McIlroy knows that US President Donald Trump’s appearance at the Amgen Irish Open will bring its own logistical challenges, but the defending champion believes his attendance can be a “good thing”.

The six-time major winner headlines a strong field at Clare’s Trump International Golf Links & Hotel. The venue has been bracing for the owner’s arrival, with Irish and US security personnel required in Clare and Dublin.

“I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge,” said McIlroy.

“There's a lot that goes into it. They obviously have to lock down a specific area and make sure that it's safe for him to travel into, and the entire delegation, whoever that is. Logistically, it provides a bit of a challenge, but we are at one of his properties that he has kindly provided for us to play a golf tournament.

“I said yesterday, the President of the United States wants to come watch a little bit of golf. I think we are all happy to be here, grateful to be here. His presence at The Irish Open makes it a truly international event. That brings more attention and eyeballs to the Irish Open, and it can only be a good thing.” 

In an interview with the Irish Independent earlier this year, Eric Trump, the son of the US president, hailed McIlroy as a friend and said that without his support, the tournament likely would not have taken place in Doonbeg.

“Eric and I live very close to each other, kids are at the same school and see each other at school events from time to time,” explained McIlroy when asked about their relationship.

“So the DP World Tour reached out to me and said, ‘Do you think Doonbeg will be a suitable venue for The Irish Open?’ 

“I said, look, I haven't been there, but from all accounts, I hear it's a very, very good golf course with accommodation on-site. The Irish Open has not been in this part of the world in several years, since Lahinch in 2019. I think it would be a good thing.” 

Elsewhere, it was confirmed on Wednesday that LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. It comes after Saudi Arabia withdrew its financial backing. Several players were listed as being owed millions, while Tom McKibbin is listed as being owed $973,000.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil said they still plan to launch a new version of the league next year.

“I'm not in their shoes but LIV at the start looked a lot more attractive than what LIV 2.0 might be from a financial standpoint,” said McIlroy.

“I'm not trying to predict the future but I would predict that you'll see some guys leave, as they are free to now as, I guess, contracts have been breached by them filing for bankruptcy.

“I think that means other tours have decisions to make. And obviously there's a lot of players on LIV that can strengthen golf tournaments and make them more competitive. So I would see that as a good thing for the DP World Tour.

“And I think the health of the DP World Tour is in a really good spot. They have a wonderful alliance with the PGA TOUR. I think that alliance is only going to get stronger, especially with the PGA TOUR committing to working with the DP World Tour for some of these international events at this time of the year going forward.” 

The 37-year-old also said he is fully supportive of the Irish Open winner receiving a Masters invite.

“I spoke to chairman Ridley about this a lot and I really applaud their dedication to international golf and getting behind some of the international opens.

“Obviously the Asia-Pacific Amateur, the Latin America Amateur Championship, they have done great jobs with them and it give these exemptions to these larger National Opens; I would certainly sit there and argue the Irish Open's case with Fred, all day. I think, hopefully, at some point, it's inevitable that that would become a reality.”