US President Donald Trump is strongly considering travelling to the Amgen Irish Open which will be hosted at his Doonbeg golf resort in September.
Trump appeared at the US ambassador’s Independence Day celebrations in Dublin by video link where he expressed his wish to be on site for Ireland’s national open to watch Rory McIlroy and co tee it up on the links from September 10-13.
“I think I’m going to come over, and I’m going to see it,” he said. “We’re going to watch Rory and all the great players. That’ll be something very, very special.”
He also praised his golf course in Doonbeg, describing it as a “beautiful place”.
“It’s one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world. You know that,” he said.
“But we have a place that’s so top, and we have the Irish Open going to be there, and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration,” he added.
The DP World Tour and the resort’s management are intent on having all the necessary possibilities covered if Trump does touch down in County Clare with heightened security measures set to be implemented.
Paul Gillmon, Championship Director of the DP World Tour, said that all the necessary steps are being taken to ensure that any disruption caused by the additional security requirements that accompany the President’s arrival will be kept to the minimum possible.
“We’ve planned for all scenarios,” Gillmon said. “If he comes, which is a big if, Joe and his team have been working with the local authorities. It will be disruptive but that goes with the territory. We will just wait and see how things evolve.”
As one of the most polarising figures in world politics, criticism of the venue choice has been widespread but Joe Russell, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links, is adamant that the benefits that Trump and his organisation have brought to the local community on Clare’s west coast are considerable and the resort has been greatly improved since the takeover in 2014.
“The situation as relates to president Trump, there’s nothing we can do to control what’s going on in the world,” he said.
“But one thing I can say to you is that since the Trump Organisation has taken over this resort, it’s been an upward trend, the people in the community are benefiting, both socially and economically and every other way from the resort. There’s a very positive vibe here towards the Trump Organisation, and that’s as much as we can control.”
Earlier on Thursday, two-time Irish Open winner Jon Rahm was confirmed for his first return to the event since lifting his second title in 2019 in Lahinch while rumours surrounding the appearance of his fellow LIV golfer Bryson DeChambeau continue to circulate given his close affiliation with Trump.
Already confirmed for the event are Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, and other top-tier home talent including Shane Lowry, Tom McKibbin, Séamus Power, and Pádraig Harrington. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will also be present, as will Tyrrell Hatton and both Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard.
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