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 through the event’s latter phases.
Trump is anticipated 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 will 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 informed BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson.
“He is a giant fan of golf, he is a beautiful supporter of golf. He is received a fantastic 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, however it’s nonetheless an ideal golf course and will present a superb check for the week.
“It will be totally different with him being right here however we’re right here to play a golf event and it is a good golf course and maintain 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 can also 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 might be restricted,” added McIlroy.
“Clearly, there’s quite a bit that goes on. So, logistically, it offers some challenges, completely. However on the identical time, if he desires to come back and watch the Irish Open, who’re we to say no?”
