Rory McIlroy is expected to return to a popular DP World Tour event in 2026 with significant expectations as the defending champion. The tournament is already drawing attention due to its setting and place on the golfing calendar.
Rory McIlroy is expected to return to a popular DP World Tour event in 2026 with significant expectations as the defending champion.
The tournament is already drawing attention due to its setting and place on the golfing calendar.
A new off-course storyline involving Donald Trump has now added to the intrigue surrounding the event.
Comments made this week have shed light on just how much interest there is from outside the golfing world in seeing McIlroy compete.
Eric Trump explains Donald Trump’s desire to watch Rory McIlroy play
Eric Trump has revealed that Donald Trump is eager to attend the Irish Open to watch McIlroy defend his title, should his schedule allow.
“He wants to be here,” Eric told the Irish Independent when discussing the possibility of the United States President attending the event.
“I know Rory wants him to be here. I think all of Ireland probably wants him to be here.”
Eric acknowledged the unpredictability that comes with holding the highest office in the US, but insisted that his father’s preference is clear.
“Being the President of the United States is crazy, you never know what’s going to happen on any given day,” he said.
“But believe me, there’s no place he’d rather be in the world than in Ireland for a tournament he loves at a property he loves.”
Trump also stressed the long-standing connection between his family and the venue, separate from politics.
“We had this property long before politics and have spent hundreds of millions of dollars making it one of the great resorts in the world,” he added.
“We’re really proud of it, we love the team, we love the town. It’s a great honour to have the Irish Open.”
Why Rory McIlroy’s Irish Open defence is attracting major attention
The 2026 event will mark the first time the tournament has been staged at Trump International Golf Links Ireland, a factor that has already driven significant interest.
Eric Trump claimed ticket demand has exceeded expectations. “Ticket sales are through the roof, tracking so far ahead of any other Irish Open,” he said.
“People are excited about it, and we’re going to have the greatest players in the world.”
He also revealed that he has been closely involved in preparing the course, promising elite conditions throughout the week.
“We’re working hard out there. Every blade of grass, every bunker, every fairway is going to be immaculate,” he continued.
McIlroy remains central to the appeal. Eric praised the world number two for backing the tournament and what he represents.
“Rory was so behind this tournament coming to Trump Ireland. He’s a great friend of the family, an incredible guy to say the least, and what he does to represent this country is amazing.”
With McIlroy defending his title and global attention building, the tournament is shaping up to be one of the standout moments on the DP World Tour calendar.
Category: General Sports
