This weekend’s Irish Open was already going to receive plenty of attention.
Now Donald Trump could make it even bigger.
Trump is expected to attend the tournament at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, and Rory McIlroy admitted his presence will make things a little different.
McIlroy acknowledged that having a sitting U.S. president at a golf tournament creates a major logistical and security challenge, potentially even interrupting play when Trump arrives Saturday.
But McIlroy isn’t necessarily complaining.
He also believes Trump’s appearance could bring significantly more attention to the Irish Open, calling that increased international exposure a positive for the tournament.
That’s interesting considering their history.
McIlroy received considerable backlash after playing golf with Trump in 2017 and later said he felt “guilt by association.” He hasn’t publicly played with Trump since.
Nearly a decade later, their paths are crossing again.
McIlroy is trying to win his national open. Trump owns the course hosting it. And now the president could be there watching.
This Irish Open just became a lot more interesting.
