Follow us on Google Discover Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka are two of the marquee names in the field for this week’s Irish Open on the DP World Tour.
They will also be joined by Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Reed and several more top players.
The event will be hosted at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg for the first time.
United States President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the Irish Open and potentially hand over the trophy.
Here is what McIlroy and Koepka have already said about playing the tournament on Ireland’s west coast.
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty ImagesRory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka ‘excited’ to play at Doonbeg
The players will be determined to focus on playing good golf rather than being distracted by Donald Trump’s attendance.
Rory McIlroy did not mention the US President when he outlined his ambition to defend his Irish Open crown at Doonbeg.
“I’m looking forward to returning home for the Amgen Irish Open later this year,” McIlroy said via the DP World Tour website.
“Playing in front of Irish fans is always incredibly special. The scenes at The K Club last year were unforgettable.
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“The roar when I holed my eagle putt on the 18th and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever. Hopefully I can give the fans more of the same this year at Doonbeg.”
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Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka mentioned the challenging course at Trump International Golf Links Ireland when entering the event last month.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open,” Koepka explained.
“I’m excited to experience the challenges of links golf at Doonbeg for the first time, and once again play in front of some of the most passionate golf fans. It’s always great to be back playing in Europe.”
Whatever the players and fans may think of Trump, there is no denying that the golf course deserves to host a major event.
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