Bryson DeChambeau says he would love to compete in the 2026 Amgen Irish Open if the event fits his schedule. Organizers will hold the tournament from Sept. 10-13 at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland in Doonbeg, County Clare. President Donald Trump has said he is considering attending, but he had not confirmed his plans with organizers by July 30.
DeChambeau and Trump have built a well-documented relationship through golf and public appearances. The possibility that both men could attend has increased interest in the tournament, but neither has confirmed his attendance.
Bryson eyes a return to Ireland
DeChambeau said he would consider playing in the Irish Open if it fits his schedule. He added that he enjoys competing internationally and supports opportunities to play high-level golf in new locations. The tournament carries extra weight this year, given its brand-new host venue in Doonbeg.
An appearance would mark DeChambeau’s Irish Open debut. Doonbeg will host the tournament for the first time, although the course opened in 2002. It opened in 2002 and has undergone extensive renovations in recent years.
DeChambeau had not been officially confirmed in the field by July 30. His potential participation remains conditional rather than a completed entry. That pull could give the Irish Open a welcome boost in visibility this year.
A friendship built through golf
DeChambeau and Trump have played golf together several times. In 2024, they filmed their most widely viewed collaboration for an episode of DeChambeau’s “Break 50” series at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster.
DeChambeau also joined Trump at a SpaceX Starship launch in Texas in November 2024. He later wrote that the experience deeply inspired him. Trump has also publicly praised DeChambeau several times in recent years.
Their connection now extends to an official role. The White House lists DeChambeau as chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Their friendship continues to attract attention in both golf and political circles.
Trump hints at a Doonbeg visit
Trump said in a recorded message that he was considering traveling to Ireland for the Irish Open. He praised the Doonbeg course and said he hoped to watch Rory McIlroy and other leading players compete. Trump said the event would include a tremendous celebration for everyone involved that week.
The visit had not been confirmed by July 30. Doonbeg general manager Joe Russell said the resort knew Trump wanted to attend but had not received an official confirmation. Doonbeg general manager Joe Russell noted that Trump had expressed a strong interest in coming.
Tournament organizers have developed contingency plans and are working with local authorities in case the president attends. Any visit would require additional logistical and security arrangements. Security planning has reportedly already begun in case the visit becomes fully official.
McIlroy offers a surprising endorsement
McIlroy said that DeChambeau’s participation would be beneficial for the Irish Open. His comments came shortly after he strongly criticized DeChambeau’s response to a 2-stroke penalty at the Open Championship.
The criticism did not result from a direct exchange between the players. McIlroy made the remarks during media interviews after DeChambeau spent considerable time discussing the ruling with tournament officials at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy nevertheless acknowledged the value that another prominent player could bring to the event. DeChambeau later said he would consider competing if the Irish Open fits his schedule. Many see their dynamic as one of the more compelling storylines in golf today.
Fun fact: DeChambeau won LIV Golf Greenbrier in 2023 with a final-round 58, setting the league’s scoring record.
Tension follows a costly penalty
The R&A assessed DeChambeau a 2-stroke penalty during the second round of the Open Championship after determining that he had improved the area of his intended swing. Officials said the violation applied even though the action was considered accidental.
DeChambeau spent approximately 15 minutes discussing the decision with officials after his round. Media reports later alleged that he had threatened to involve Trump, although DeChambeau did not publicly confirm that account. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said he had received no call from the president.
McIlroy criticized DeChambeau’s response as performative and said the prolonged dispute delayed tournament operations. He ultimately finished tied for 14th at 4 under, 6 strokes behind champion Ryan Fox.
DeChambeau leans on his political ties
DeChambeau and Trump have appeared together at golf events, filmed a widely viewed “Break 50” episode, and attended a SpaceX launch together. He also joined Trump onstage during his 2024 election-night event. Their friendship extends beyond golf into broader cultural and political conversations across the country.
DeChambeau has said that his YouTube collaboration with Trump was intended as entertainment rather than political advocacy. His current public connection with the administration includes serving as chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.
Their relationship would attract attention if both men attended the Irish Open. However, neither DeChambeau’s entry nor Trump’s visit had been confirmed by July 30. Their history together guarantees extra scrutiny, no matter what unfolds at the tournament.
Doonbeg prepares for a landmark event
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland will host the Irish Open for the first time from Sept. 10-13. The course opened in 2002 and has since undergone renovations that include a new finishing hole, 4 new tee complexes and the rebuilding of all 54 bunkers.
Organizers expect tens of thousands of spectators. They have also said that the tournament should create economic activity for Doonbeg and the surrounding County Clare community. Security preparations remain ongoing, given the possibility of an official presidential visit that week.
The venue is already installing event infrastructure, and the course will close from Aug. 24 through Sept. 15. Organizers are also coordinating with local authorities in case Trump attends. Locals hope the event brings lasting benefits to the County Clare community.
What the moment means for golf
This storyline blends professional sports, celebrity culture, and politics into one compelling narrative. DeChambeau’s potential appearance alongside Trump would generate massive worldwide media coverage almost instantly. The Irish Open already benefits from strong crowds and passionate local support each year.
Adding this level of intrigue only strengthens its growing reputation across the professional tour. McIlroy’s willingness to embrace DeChambeau’s presence shows a maturing rivalry between golf’s 2 biggest stars. Golf fans increasingly enjoy storylines that extend well beyond simple competition on the course.
September’s tournament could become one of the most talked-about events of the season. Everyone involved seems ready for whatever unfolds at Doonbeg this year. For now, fans across the world will simply have to wait and see.
Little-known fact: Trump bought the Doonbeg resort in 2014 for about €15 million and renamed it soon after.
TL;DR
- Bryson DeChambeau said he would play the Irish Open if his schedule allows it.
- Donald Trump hinted he may attend the tournament at Doonbeg this September.
- DeChambeau and Trump share a long-standing friendship built through golf and politics.
- Rory McIlroy welcomed DeChambeau’s potential participation despite recent tension between the 2 stars.
- The Open Championship penalty controversy added extra intrigue to their ongoing rivalry.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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