The tournament is taking place at the United States President’s Doonbeg golf course
Donald Trump (Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Donald Trump has strongly suggested that he could travel to Ireland to attend the Irish Open in September.
The tournament is taking place at the United States President’s Trump International Golf Links course in Doonbeg, Co Clare.
Trump referenced the event as he spoke to a large crowd attending an event marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence at the US diplomat’s official residence in Dublin on Wednesday evening.
“You’re honouring 250 years of Irish-American friendship, and there’s nothing better than Irish-American friendship. You know, I have a beautiful place over there, it’s one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world,” Trump said in a pre-recorded video message.
He continued: “We have the Irish Open going to be there and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I’m going to come over and I think I’m going to see it and we’re gonna watch Rory and all the great players.”
Trump is a big fan of McIlroy and has played golf with the Holywood man in the past. Earlier this year, the US President interrupted his speech during a White House banquet to ask McIlroy to stand and praised the golfer for his “unconquerable courage” after his second successive Masters win.
The 80-year-old was speaking during a state visit by the King and Queen and broke off to address McIlroy, who was one of those in attendance at the dinner.
Trump said: “The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring, this unconquerable courage. It really is, it’s unconquerable.
“Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up Rory, will you, please?
“That was unconquerable courage. That was very good Rory. I don’t know if that helps him talking about how wonderful the speech… but I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was a tough one.
“Congratulations, very proud of you.”
McIlroy won the Irish Open last year following a dramatic play-off at The K Club, beating Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren on the third extra hole to win his national title for the second time – nine years after his first.