Trump’s Doonbeg appearance drew cheers
Donald Trump’s appearance at the Irish Open added a political dimension to a dramatic day of golf in Doonbeg. As Shane Lowry prepared to chase his second Irish Open title, Trump drew cheers from spectators while making his way to the first tee.
His visit also brought heightened security, family appearances and political attention, while Lowry delivered a commanding final round to claim the championship. From the unexpected crowd reaction to Trump’s whiskey tariff announcement, the weekend brought together golf, politics and plenty of headlines.
The final round drew major attention
The final round took place on September 13, with Lowry leading the tournament entering the day. Trump watched from close to the opening tee as Lowry started with a birdie.
The tournament was the 71st Irish Open and featured a 138-player field. Players competed for a €5.1 million prize fund at the Doonbeg venue.
Lowry was chasing a second Irish Open title
Lowry entered Sunday seeking his second Irish Open championship, 17 years after winning the event as an amateur. He had built a four-shot lead after setting a course record with an 8-under-par 62.
His first victory came in 2009 at Baltray. He remained in control throughout Sunday and completed another championship run at the same tournament.
Trump watched from his family’s course
The 2026 Irish Open was held at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg for the first time. Trump purchased the property in 2014, and it remains part of the Trump Organization’s golf holdings.
The County Clare resort sits on Ireland’s Atlantic coast. The tournament marked the venue’s debut as host of the DP World Tour’s Irish Open.
Trump’s arrival had already interrupted play
Trump arrived in Doonbeg on Saturday after meetings in Dublin, traveling from Shannon Airport by Marine One. The helicopter’s arrival briefly paused play during the tournament’s third round.
Two military Chinooks accompanied Marine One during the arrival. Trump later watched the competition with family members after reaching the resort, where Lowry was leading the tournament after Saturday’s play.
Security surrounded the presidential appearance
Trump’s first-tee appearance included a visible security presence involving Secret Service personnel and Irish police. Security measures were heightened throughout his Ireland visit because of his presidential status.
Irish authorities canceled some Garda leave and brought officers into County Clare. Security personnel were also visible around the first tee as Lowry began his final round.
Interesting fact: Trump National Bedminster’s Old Course has a 7,721-yard layout from the black tees, with a USGA course rating of 77.6 and a slope rating of 153.
Trump watched alongside family members
Trump attended portions of the tournament with family members, including Don Jr., Eric Trump and several grandchildren. He also watched golf from the resort’s 18th-green area during the weekend.
Trump was seen alongside American golfers Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed while watching the tournament. Eric Trump followed portions of Lowry’s final round on Sunday, including the opening holes.
Interesting fact: Trump’s golf portfolio spans about 16 properties worldwide, including courses in the United States, Scotland and Ireland.
Major American golfers were also competing
American golfers Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka were among the prominent players in the field at Doonbeg. Reed finished tied for second at 12 under par, while Koepka finished outside the top 2.
Joaquín Niemann and Reed tied for second at 12 under par. The field also included Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Robert MacIntyre.
The crowd response was documented on Sunday
Video and local reports showed spectators applauding and cheering as Trump walked toward the first tee on Sunday afternoon. The reception occurred during his final day at the Irish Open.
His visit also coincided with demonstrations against him in Dublin. Reuters reported that some spectators at Doonbeg wore red “Make America Great Again” hats, while others simply watched the tournament.
Lowry quickly strengthened his lead
Lowry opened his final round with a birdie after Trump greeted him at the first tee. He continued extending his advantage and finished at 23 under par.
Lowry shot a 7-under-par 63 on Sunday. He won by 11 shots, setting the largest winning margin in Irish Open history and completing his second championship in the event.
Trump presented Lowry with the trophy
After Lowry completed his final round, Trump presented him with the Irish Open trophy at the Doonbeg course. Lowry finished at 23 under par after shooting 63.
The victory was Lowry’s second Irish Open title. Reuters reported that his 11-shot winning margin was a record for the tournament, adding another statistical mark to his championship.
The internet is also asking why did Trump bring up cheating during his Ireland golf trip?
Trump’s Ireland visit combined politics and golf
Trump’s two-day Ireland visit included meetings with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin before his appearance at the Irish Open. He then spent time at the Doonbeg tournament.
His visit also drew political attention after comments about Irish reunification. Protests took place in Dublin, while his final day included the first-tee appearance and Lowry’s trophy presentation.
In other news, Wimbledon tightens restrictions on influencers and content creators at the tournament.
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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