Rory McIlroy admits this 12 months’s Irish Open will really feel like a “totally different” spectacle given US President Donald Trump’s anticipated go to throughout the match’s latter phases.
Trump is predicted to attend the occasion – 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 praised the Northern Irishman’s accomplishments on the course after profitable back-to-back Masters titles.
“It may be totally different, however the one factor I would say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour occasions, European Tour occasions, LIV occasions,” McIlroy advised BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson.
“He is a giant fan of golf, he is a beautiful supporter of golf. He is bought an attractive property right here in Doonbeg – it is the primary time I’ve performed it. I would not say it is a true hyperlinks golf course, it’s kind of of an Americanised model of a hyperlinks course, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an important golf course and will present check for the week.
“It may be totally different with him being right here however we’re right here to play a golf match and it is a good golf course and preserve our head down and play.”
Throughout his long-planned go to to Eire, Trump will meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and maintain a bilateral assembly with the Taoiseach [Irish prime minister] Micheal Martin.
He may additionally current the Irish Open winner with the trophy on Sunday night amid a considerably enhanced safety presence on the property he bought in 2014.
“I feel the weekend, particularly when he is right here [will feel different], crowds shall be restricted,” added McIlroy.
“Clearly, there’s rather a lot that goes on. So, logistically, it offers some challenges, completely. However on the identical time, if he desires to return and watch the Irish Open, who’re we to say no?”
