Rory McIlroy vows to not get distracted by Trump visit to Irish Open
Rory McIlroy has acknowledged that there are logistical challenges associated with Donald Trump visiting this week’s Amgen Irish Open, but said players would just “keep our heads down and play”.
The United States president is in Ireland this week for an official two-day visit, with expectations that he will attend the DP World Tour tournament hosted at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg.
Although extra security protocols will have to be put in place for the visit, McIlroy responded: “Who are we to say no?”
Speaking to BBC Northern Ireland, the world number two said: “It’s going to be different with him being here but we’re here to play a golf tournament and it’s a good golf course so we’ll keep our heads down and play.
“I think the weekend when he’s here crowds will be limited, obviously there’s a lot that goes on.
“Logistically it proves some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open who are we to say no?”
Trump has been an occasional visitor to golf events, most notably attending last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
McIlroy and Trump have played golf together in the past, and the US president sent a congratulatory message to McIlroy when he defended his Masters crown in April.
“Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing. With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND!”
The following month, chose to skip the Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral after being invited to a state dinner during the visit of King Charles at the White House by Trump.
Explaining his decision, McIlroy said: “I know how fortunate I am and so lucky to be in this position in life and sometimes you have to enjoy the perks because I know that this isn’t going to last forever.
“There’s going to be a day where I’m not sitting up here and I’m not competing for major championships and I’m not doing what I’m doing. So I guess while I’m doing it, I have to enjoy it.”
