Eric Trump has asserted that the prestigious Irish Open would not be taking place at the Trump family's Doonbeg resort this September without the significant backing and influence of golfing superstar Rory McIlroy. The tournament is scheduled for September 10-13 at the stunning coastal venue in Ireland, and there is speculation that President Donald Trump himself might travel from the White House to attend later this year.
McIlroy's Pivotal Role and Growing Friendship
In an exclusive interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Eric Trump disclosed the depth of the relationship that has developed between Masters champion Rory McIlroy and the Trump family. He emphasised that McIlroy's support was a decisive factor in securing the event for their resort.
'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 Trump stated regarding the tournament. 'Rory has been super supportive of the family. I was just with him two weeks ago. He played at Trump Jupiter. You're going to see some of the true great stars come to this event.'
Eric added that the Trump family has assured McIlroy the September tournament will be 'the best Irish Open that Ireland has ever seen'.
Potential Presidential Attendance and Family Ties
When questioned about whether his father, President Trump, will be present, the 42-year-old Eric expressed strong confidence. 'I think he's gonna be here. He really wants to be here - and I know Rory definitely wants him here,' he said.
The bond extends beyond the President. Earlier this year, McIlroy was photographed on the driving range with the President's teenage granddaughter, Kai Trump, a keen golfer who holds a scholarship at the University of Miami. This followed a notable interaction last September after Team Europe's Ryder Cup victory on American soil, where McIlroy sent a playful video to President Trump featuring the team chanting 'Are you watching, Donald Trump?' The President shared the video on Truth Social with the caption: 'Yes, I'm watching. Congratulations!'
A Complex History of Admiration and Criticism
Despite the current camaraderie, McIlroy's relationship with President Trump has not been without its complexities. After playing a round of golf with Trump in 2017, which drew backlash from critics, McIlroy stated in 2020 that he would not do so again by choice.
'I haven't done it since ... out of choice,' McIlroy said at the time. 'So I will sit here and say that day I had with him I enjoyed. But that doesn't mean I agree with everything - or, in fact, anything - that he says.'
McIlroy went further, criticising Trump's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting the former President had politicised the crisis. 'Like it's a contest,' McIlroy remarked about testing claims. 'There's some stuff that just is terrible. It's not the way a leader should act. There is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show, and I just don't think he's showing that, especially in these times.'
He even speculated, 'I don't know if he'd want to play with me again after what I just said.' However, it appears that time has served as a healer, mending fences and fostering the supportive friendship that Eric Trump highlights as central to the upcoming Irish Open at Doonbeg.
