Boost for Trump as his golf course will host Irish Open
Donald Trump has continued to slowly be welcomed back into the golfing world after another of his international courses was awarded a major professional tournament this week. The president's Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Co Clare, Ireland was confirmed as the destination for next year's Irish Open.
The tournament, which was won by reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy at The K Club last weekend, is a popular stop on the DP World Tour's schedule. Next year's edition will be held between September 10-13, according to the tour's 2026 calendar.
The Irish Open will mark at least the fifth major golf tournament held at a Trump-owned course over a two-year span . The breakaway LIV Golf circuit held an event at Trump National Doral in Miami this year and is set to return to Trump National Washington, DC next season.
Trump National Doral is also set to play host to the PGA Tour's Miami Championship next April. Meanwhile, in addition to the Irish Open, Trump will also feature on the DP World Tour's schedule for the Scottish Championship at Trump International Golf Links Scotland.
Following Thursday's announcement, Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, said that there is an 'open invitation' for the US president to visit the Emerald Isle. Mr Martin highlighted the importance of sporting events like the Open and the upcoming NFL game at Croke Park for Irish tourism.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said 'there was no question that President Trump will be welcome to Ireland' given the economic, cultural and familial links between Ireland and the US. He added: 'These are very significant events and the relationship with the United States underpins thousands and thousands of jobs in this country.'
The US president's son Eric said the Trump Organisation is 'incredibly proud' that the tournament will be staged at its resort in Doonbeg. In a statement, he said: 'This tournament is one of the most celebrated events in golf, and bringing it to Trump Ireland is a true testament to the standard of excellence that's upheld at this property.
'The course is absolutely remarkable, and we are honoured to welcome the DP World Tour, its players, and fans from across the globe to experience the beauty and challenge of our championship links.' Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Peter Burke said Mr Trump would be a 'welcome visitor in our country' as he emphasized the importance of increasing ties with the US.
This week's announcement also marks a U-turn in the golfing community's reception of Trump, after he was previously shunned by the sport's powers that be. Both the PGA Tour and the PGA of America tried to distance themselves from Trump when he became a presidential candidate in 2015, following his comments about Mexican immigrants on the campaign trail.
In 2021, the PGA of America announced it was stripping Trump’s Bedminster course of the PGA Championship - one of golf’s four majors - in the wake of the January 6 riots at the Capitol. In a further blow, Turnberry, the Trump-owned course in Ayrshire, Scotland, was stripped of its status as an Open venue by the sport's governing body, the R&A, in January 2021 also following Capitol riots.