Rory McIlroy is set to be reunited with Donald Trump as the US President heads to Doonbeg in Co Clare
Rory McIlroy appears set for a reunion with Donald Trump as the US President prepares to visit his Doonbeg golf course for the Irish Open.
The Co Clare venue is playing host to the European Tour event, which wraps up on Sunday, with Trump expected to touch down in Doonbeg at around 3pm on Saturday.
McIlroy was candid about his thoughts on Trump’s visit when quizzed about it ahead of the tournament getting under way.
The world number two told BBC Sport NI: “It’s going to be different with him being here.
“We’re here to play a golf tournament, and it’s a good golf course and we will keep our heads down and play.
“I think the weekend, especially when he’s here, crowds will be limited.
“Obviously, there’s a lot that’s going on. Logistically, it provides some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no.”
McIlroy further commented at a press conference in Doonbeg: “I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge.
“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.”
McIlroy also discussed his connection with Trump’s son Eric after the 42-year-old praised the role the two-time Masters champion played in getting the Irish Open to Doonbeg, reports the Irish Mirror.
“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,” McIlroy explained.
“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.”
This isn’t the first occasion McIlroy has faced questions about Trump, having previously played golf with the US President on a few occasions.
At last year’s Irish Open, the Holywood native was questioned about whether he’d have any concerns playing the tournament at a Trump-owned venue.
“I’ve never played Doonbeg,” McIlroy said. “I might have gone there for dinner once while I was down playing Lahinch at some point.
“But no, I mean, I’ve obviously heard the rumours. I’m not sure if it’s confirmed or not, or when the schedule comes out, but if it were to go there, I’d have no problem.
“You know, the Scottish Championship was played at a Trump property near Aberdeen there a few weeks ago and looked like it was a great event.”
McIlroy had disclosed earlier that year that he’d shared a round of golf with Trump prior to his inauguration, revealing that the 80-year-old wasn’t keen on the LIV format.
“It was great. Yeah, it was really good,” McIlroy said. “I thought we had a good discussion.
“I learnt that he’s not a fan of the LIV format. I was like, ‘But you’ve hosted their events?’ He was like, ‘yeah, but it doesn’t mean that I like it’. So I think he’s on the Tour’s side.”
The golfer had previously responded to criticism after playing a round of golf with Trump in 2017.
He said in a tweet at the time: “I don’t agree with everything my friends or family say or do, but I still play golf with them.
“Last week, I was invited to play golf with the president of the United States. Whether you respect the person who holds the position or not, you respect the office that he holds.”
He added that the game was “not an endorsement, nor a political statement of any kind”.
“It was, quite simply, a round of golf,” he wrote.
“I’ve travelled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to befriend people from many different countries, beliefs and cultures.
“To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone’s company is just ridiculous. I hope, to some degree, this clarifies my decision to accept the invitation.”
However, McIlroy had previously suggested in 2020 that he would not play golf with Trump again.
“I haven’t done it since … out of choice,” said the Co Antrim native, as he questioned Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: “I don’t know if he’d want to play with me again after what I just said. I know it’s very self-serving of me to say no, and if I don’t, then it means I’m not putting myself in position to be under scrutiny and that I’m avoiding that.
“But no, I wouldn’t.”
Notwithstanding the backlash, Trump remains a fervent admirer of McIlroy and has sung his praises on several occasions.
In a pre-recorded message played at an event marking 250 years of Irish-American friendship in July, Trump declared: “We have the Irish Open going to be there and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I’m going to come over and I think I’m going to see it and we’re gonna watch Rory and all the great players.”
Earlier this year, the US President asked McIlroy to stand during a White House banquet as he praised the golfer for his “unconquerable courage” following his second consecutive Masters victory. During a state visit by the King and Queen, Trump said: “The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring, this unconquerable courage. It really is, it’s unconquerable.
“Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up Rory, will you, please?”.
“That was unconquerable courage. That was very good Rory. I don’t know if that helps him talking about how wonderful the speech… but I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was a tough one.
“Congratulations, very proud of you.”
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