Rory McIlroy has admitted that Donald Trump’s visit to the Irish Open this week poses logistical issues for the players. The US President is expected to attend the tournament, which takes place at his Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg in County Clare later this week. The appearance comes as part of an official two-day visit to Ireland and his presence is expected to bring heightened security measures. ‘Who are we to say no,’ McIlroy asked when questioned about the extra protocols. The world number two told BBC Northern Ireland: ‘It’s going to be different with him being here but we’re here to play a golf tournament and it’s a good golf course so we’ll keep our heads down and play.’I think the weekend when he’s here crowds will be limited, obviously there’s a lot that goes on. Rory McIlroy admitted that Donald Trump’s visit to the Irish Open poses logistical issues The US President is expected to attend the tournament as part of his official visit to Ireland ‘Logistically it proves some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open who are we to say no?’Trump has been a frequent visitor to golf tournaments, most notably last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage.Security protocols had also been ramped up ahead of Trump’s visit to the biennial bust-up between the USA and Europe in New York.Spectators were made to pass through airport-style security manned by Secret Service agents at the base of the first-tee grandstand. Once through the checks, more agents swarmed the entrances to the gallery with bomb sniffing dogs. A protective box of Perspex glass had been erected at center of the lowest tier of the towering grandstand that looms over the first tee and neighboring 18th green. Snipers also climbed to the top section of the stand, which had been blocked off to spectators and media members, to take their position ahead of Trump’s arrival. It is unclear if the Irish Open will be subjected to the same measures this week. Trump attended the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black with granddaughter Kai last year JON RAHM DROPS LIV GOLF FUTURE HINT BY RIATH AL-SAMARRAI Jon Rahm has dropped a hint that he will consider a future away from LIV Golf in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s decision to withdraw funding.The Spaniard, who is under contract to the circuit through 2028, is among the cohort of elite players faced with a dilemma as LIV plot a vastly scaled-back operation to survive.If the league succeeds with the hope of landing a new backer, their stated plan for ‘LIV 2.0’ will feature fewer tournaments with significantly reduced prize money. Their CEO Scott O’Neil has also refused to rule out bankruptcy as a means of fighting their way to a 2027 season, which would follow the mass redundancy of staff last month.Against that hugely uncertain backdrop, Rahm’s comments at the DP World Tour’s Irish Open on Tuesday will raise eyebrows. Asked if he would like to see a pathway back to the PGA Tour, he told BBC Northern Ireland: ‘I still have a contract with LIV 1.0 that I am more than willing to fulfil, so like I said time will tell.’He added: ‘We will see what happens.’The choice of phrase – ‘LIV 1.0’ – would suggest he expects his existing terms to be honoured in order to continue with LIV, having joined for a reported £300million in 2023. It is understood he is still owed a portion of that fee under the structure of his deal.A number of LIV golfers are understandably monitoring the immediate future of the league, which is contingent on funds arriving from private equity injection. BC Partners have agreed in principal to step in, but that is yet to be finalised and will doubtless be made far more unappealing if the big names leave, such as Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.The latter has directly stated his desire to stay, but Rahm’s public offerings have been far less conclusive. Along with his rivals on the circuit, it is understood he is waiting to learn how closely LIV 2.0 it aligns with the terms of his original contract. <!- – ad: https://mads.dailymail.co.uk/v8/us/sport/golf/article/other/mpu_factbox.html?id=mpu_factbox_1 – ->
The president appears to share a close relationship with McIlroy, congratulating him following his Masters victory earlier this year. McIlroy and his wife Erica were also invited to the White House at the end of April for the glitzy State Dinner in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla. Trump took a sudden departure from his prepared speech during the gala to hail the golfer on his latest ‘unconquerable’ achievement.’The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring. This unconquerable courage. It really is unconquerable… speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy?’ Trump questioned, part way through his address. ‘Stand up, Rory. That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory,’ the president continued, referring to McIlroy’s latest Masters triumph.’I don’t know if that helps them talk about how wonderful the speech (is) but I had ot interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was tough. That was a tough one. Congratulations. Very proud of you.’Alright, now I’ll get back to my speech, Rory.’McIlroy sealed a one-shot victory over World No 1 Scottie Scheffler to claim his second green jacket and become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to go back-to-back at the Masters.Following the triumph, Trump had been the one to lead the tributes to McIlroy, praising his resilience in a post on Truth Social.Trump wrote: ‘Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing.’With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND! I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral. The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary, each and every one of them.’They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend!’