Rory McIlroy’s role in bringing the Irish Open to Trump International Golf Links
Rory McIlroy’s backing proved essential in bringing the Irish Open to Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg this autumn, according to Eric Trump, reports BritPanorama.
Eric Trump claimed that the tournament may never have arrived at the County Clare venue without McIlroy’s support. “Rory’s become a friend. And frankly, I’d say without Rory’s support, I’m not even sure if we’d have it here,” he said in an interview.
The tournament is scheduled to occur from 10-13 September at the coastal Irish resort, with Eric Trump indicating that his father is eager to attend if his schedule allows. “I think he’s gonna be here. He really wants to be here – and I know Rory definitely wants him here,” Eric Trump confirmed.
The Northern Irish golfer has reportedly formed a close relationship with the Trump family. Eric mentioned that McIlroy played at Trump Jupiter just two weeks ago, with the promise that leading players will be attracted to the event. “You’re going to see some of the true great stars come to this event,” he added.
The Trump family has pledged to McIlroy that the September tournament will be “the best Irish Open that Ireland has ever seen.” This evolving rapport is notable, especially in light of McIlroy’s previous criticism towards Trump. The golfer had expressed discontent with Trump’s leadership during the pandemic and even refrained from associating with him after a round of golf in 2017, stating, “I will sit here and say that day I had with him I enjoyed. But that doesn’t mean I agree with everything – or, in fact, anything – that he says.”
However, a change appears to be on the horizon as their relationship has seemingly improved. The pair’s rapport was evident after last September’s Ryder Cup, when Europe triumphed over the United States on American soil. In a lighthearted exchange, McIlroy shared footage of himself and teammates singing “Are you watching, Donald Trump?” to which Trump responded humorously on social media.
As the countdown to the Irish Open begins, the complexities of this friendship reveal how personal relationships often intertwine with professional settings in the world of sports. Whether McIlroy’s influence will indeed bring the anticipated star power to the event remains to be seen, but it underscores the unpredictable nature of golf’s intersections with celebrity and politics.
