Rory McIlroy believes this 12 months's Irish Open will really feel "totally different" ought to US President Donald Trump make an anticipated go to to the occasion.
Famous golf fanatic Trump is anticipated to attend the event — which is being held at his resort within the County Clare village of Doonbeg — this weekend as a part of a two-day go to to Eire.
McIlroy has beforehand performed golf with Trump, who earlier this 12 months hailed his achievements after the Northern Irishman gained back-to-back US Masters titles.
"It's going to be totally different, however the one factor I'd say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour occasions, European Tour occasions, LIV occasions," McIlroy informed the BBC.
"He's an enormous fan of golf, he's a beautiful supporter of golf. He's received a lovely property right here in Doonbeg – it's the primary time I've performed it… It's going to be totally different with him being right here however we're right here to play a golf event and it's a very good golf course and preserve our head down and play."
Trump, who is about to fulfill Irish President Catherine Connolly and maintain a gathering with Republic of Eire prime minister Micheal Martin, may additionally current the Irish Open winner with the trophy on Sunday.
If Trump does attend, an enhanced safety presence could have an effect on spectator numbers.
"I feel the weekend, particularly when he's right here (will really feel totally different), crowds might be restricted," added the 37-year-old McIlroy, certainly one of simply six males to have gained all 4 of golf's main titles
"Clearly, there's loads that goes on. So, logistically, it supplies some challenges, completely. However on the similar time, if he desires to come back and watch the Irish Open, who’re we to say no?"
McIlroy gained his second Irish Open title in 2025 after making eagle on the final on the Okay Membership in Kildare to take Joakim Lagergren to a play-off earlier than beating the Swede on the third further gap
"I most likely went a couple of years the place I wasn't very happy with how I performed within the Irish Open," stated McIlroy, whose first victory on the event additionally got here on the Okay Membership, in 2016.
"I form of struggled to take care of the obligations or the stress or no matter it was, however I feel I'm a bit of bit extra relaxed about it today."
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