Eric Trump has credited Rory McIlroy’s support as a key factor in bringing the Irish Open to the Trump-owned Doonbeg course in County Clare.
Speaking to The Belfast Telegraph in an interview published on January 25, the 42-year-old described McIlroy as a close friend and said the world-renowned golfer played a significant role in the decision to stage the prestigious tournament at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg.
“Rory’s become a friend. And frankly, I’d say without Rory’s support, I’m not even sure if we’d have it here,” Eric said while discussing the Irish Open’s move to the Clare venue.
For the unversed, The Irish Open is scheduled to take place from September 10 to 13, and Eric said he personally reassured McIlroy that the event would be delivered to the highest standard. “I promised Rory we would have the best Irish Open that Ireland has ever seen,” he said.
Eric also confirmed that President Donald Trump is expected to attend the three-day tournament, adding that both his father and McIlroy are keen on his presence.
“I think he’s gonna be here,” Eric said. “He really wants to be here, and I know Rory definitely wants him here.”
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According to Eric, McIlroy has developed a close personal relationship with the Trump family that extends beyond their professional ties. He said the Northern Irish star has been consistently supportive of the family in recent years.
“Rory has been super supportive of the family,” Eric said. “I was just with him two weeks ago. He played at Trump Jupiter.”
Rory McIlroy’s Ongoing Interactions With The Trump Family And Golf World
McIlroy’s interactions with the Trump family have drawn increased attention in recent years, both on and off the course. Earlier this month, Kai Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, shared a moment with McIlroy during a golf session.
The 18-year-old is an amateur golfer and is set to join the University of Miami’s women’s golf program later this year. “Best way to start the year,” Kai wrote alongside an Instagram photo with McIlroy.
McIlroy has also previously played golf with President Trump. Following one such round in early 2025, McIlroy spoke publicly about their discussions surrounding LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. He later clarified that while Trump has hosted LIV events at his courses, the president indicated his preference remained with the PGA Tour.
The Irishman’s connection to Trump surfaced again at the 2025 Ryder Cup, where Team Europe defeated Team USA. During the post-match celebrations, McIlroy and his teammates chanted a playful message directed at the president.
Trump, who attended part of the event at Bethpage Black in New York, later responded on his Truth Social platform with a congratulatory message.
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Team Europe captain Luke Donald later told the BBC that the chant followed a message McIlroy received from Trump during the team’s post-victory gathering. The POTUS said the players viewed it as light-hearted banter and believed the president took it positively.
