McIlroy Expects Different Irish Open as Trump Plans Doonbeg Visit

Rory McIlroy expects this week's Irish Open to have a different atmosphere when US President Donald Trump makes an anticipated visit during the tournament's closing stages. BBC Sport reported that Trump is expected at the event this weekend as part of a two-day visit to Ireland, with play taking place at his resort in Doonbeg, County Clare.

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The visit is set to bring a significantly increased security presence, and McIlroy said crowd numbers could be limited while Trump is at the property. Trump may also present the winner's trophy on Sunday evening. His Irish itinerary is due to include meetings with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

McIlroy told BBC Sport Northern Ireland that the visit would create logistical challenges but stressed that the players' focus remained on the tournament. He has played golf with Trump before and described him as a major supporter of the sport. Trump purchased the Doonbeg property in 2014.

The venue is new territory for McIlroy, who said this week was his first time playing the course. He characterized it as an American-influenced version of links golf and said it should provide an appropriate test. The Northern Irishman begins his title defence at 13:35 BST on Thursday alongside Brooks Koepka and Robert MacIntyre.

McIlroy is trying to win the Irish Open for a third time. He captured his first title at the K Club in 2016 and won there again last year, making an eagle on the final hole to force a playoff against Joakim Lagergren before prevailing on the third extra hole. Another victory would put him alongside Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie as three-time champions.

The six-time major winner enters the event after consecutive top-four finishes in the PGA Tour playoffs. BBC Sport reported that the Doonbeg field also includes Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin. McIlroy said he has become more relaxed about the demands of competing before a home crowd after previously finding the obligations and pressure around the Irish Open difficult to manage.