Rory McIlroy clarified his relationship with Eric Trump before the 2026 Irish Open at Doonbeg. Eric previously called McIlroy a “great friend of the family,” while McIlroy described them as neighbors whose children attend the same school and who occasionally meet at school events.
McIlroy also said the DP World Tour had asked for his opinion about Doonbeg as a possible venue. The tournament subsequently took place at Trump International Golf Links in Ireland, where Donald Trump attended, and Shane Lowry won by a record 11 shots.
McIlroy clarifies his Eric Trump connection
McIlroy was asked directly about Eric Trump’s description of their relationship during his pre-tournament media availability. Rather than using the same language, he explained that the two families live close to each other in Florida and have crossed paths through their children.
“Eric and I live very close to each other, kids are at the same school, and see each other at school events from time to time,” McIlroy said. The comment places their connection in a familiar social setting rather than describing a close professional partnership.
Eric has used warmer language about the relationship in discussing Doonbeg. In January, he said McIlroy had been “so behind” the Irish Open coming to Trump Ireland and called the six-time major champion a great friend of the family.
His role in bringing the Irish Open to Doonbeg
McIlroy also clarified how Doonbeg became a serious option for the Irish Open. He said DP World Tour officials contacted him and asked whether he believed the course could be a suitable venue for Ireland’s national open.
McIlroy had not played the course before, but said he had heard it was a very good layout with accommodation on-site. He also noted that the tournament had not been staged in that part of Ireland since Lahinch hosted it in 2019.
His role was advisory, not a claim that he selected the venue himself. The tournament was ultimately placed at Trump International Golf Links Ireland for the 2026 edition, marking the first time Doonbeg has hosted the Irish Open.
Donald Trump’s expected visit adds another layer
Donald Trump attended the 2026 Irish Open at his Doonbeg property after McIlroy acknowledged that a visit by a sitting U.S. president would create logistical and security challenges. Before the tournament, McIlroy said Trump’s presence would make the Irish Open a “truly international event” and attract additional attention.
McIlroy’s history with Trump has developed largely through golf and official social engagements. They played together in 2017, and McIlroy said in 2020 that he would not play with Trump again. However, they played another round in early 2025, and McIlroy joined Trump for dinner at Doonbeg during the 2026 Irish Open.
McIlroy enters as the defending champion
McIlroy arrived at Doonbeg as the defending Irish Open champion after winning the 2025 tournament at The K Club. He eagled the 72nd hole to force a playoff with Joakim Lagergren before winning on the third extra hole.
The 2026 field included Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and Robert MacIntyre, but McIlroy’s title defense ended in a tie for 41st at 1 under. Lowry won his second Irish Open title at 23 under, finishing a record 11 shots ahead of Reed and Joaquin Niemann.
McIlroy became the sixth man to complete the career Grand Slam when he won the 2025 Masters. He joined Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only male golfers to win all four modern major championships.
Fun fact: Rory McIlroy became the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam when he won the Masters in 2025. He joined Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods as the only men to win all four major championships.
Doonbeg gives the event a different test
Doonbeg gave the 2026 Irish Open a distinctly different setting from the previous year’s tournament at The K Club. The County Clare course is an exposed Atlantic links beside Doughmore Bay, where wind and changing coastal conditions influenced play throughout the week.
The 71st Irish Open carried an official $6 million purse and formed part of the DP World Tour’s Back 9. Doonbeg hosted the tournament for the first time, while McIlroy arrived with two previous Irish Open victories, both secured at The K Club in 2016 and 2025.
McIlroy’s connection to Trump goes beyond Doonbeg
McIlroy previously said Donald Trump could help efforts to reunify men’s professional golf because of his relationship with Saudi Arabia’s leadership and his longstanding involvement in the sport. McIlroy has also attended Trump-hosted social events, including a White House state dinner in May 2026 and a dinner at Doonbeg during the Irish Open.
The tournament brought those connections into focus. McIlroy defended his title at a Trump-owned course after explaining his limited social connection with Eric Trump and his advisory role in the venue discussion. Donald Trump attended the tournament, while McIlroy tied for 41st and Shane Lowry won by a record 11 shots.
TL;DR
- Rory McIlroy said he and Eric Trump live close to each other, and their children attend the same school.
- Eric Trump previously described McIlroy as a “great friend of the family.”
- McIlroy said DP World Tour officials asked for his opinion on Doonbeg as a potential Irish Open venue.
- Doonbeg is hosting the Irish Open for the first time in 2026.
- Donald Trump is expected to attend, bringing additional security requirements and international attention.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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