Rory McIlroy faces awkward Irish Open run-in with Donald Trump months after ruthless snub

Rory McIlroy is in store for an awkward reunion with Donald Trump months after snubbing the Cadillac Championship. The Northern Irishman is set to defend his Irish Open title this week, with the tournament being hosted at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in County Clare.

McIlroy, 37, regularly skips tournaments throughout the PGA Tour season in order to prioritise his focus on the four major championships and spend enough time with his family. The Cadillac Championship earlier this year - hosted at Trump National Doral - was an event the US president had admitted he was excited to watch the golfer in action at.

However, the Masters champion did not tee up in Miami. The opportunity for McIlroy and Trump to meet again comes this week, with the American set to attend the Irish Open in Doonbeg.

Trump is expected to arrive in Ireland on Saturday, where he'll meet with Irish president Catherine Connolly and prime minister Micheal Martin. According to the BBC, Trump could present the event winner with the Irish Open trophy on Sunday.

McIlroy is headlining the star-studded field that includes the likes of Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre and Brooks Koepka. The world No. 2 first won the event in 2016 and became the first player since Rahm to win it twice, following his triumph last year.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page

McIlroy's penchant for skipping tournaments has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. He opened up about his decision in January earlier this year, as he said: "I think I need to show up at tournaments with enthusiasm every single time.

"So, playing in the places that I want to play, playing the tournaments I want to play, not feeling like I'm at a tournament because I'm obligated or have to be there, but because I want to be there."

Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.

Prior to winning the Masters for a second time in April, McIlroy skipped the Valspar Championship, the Texas Children's Houston Open and the Valero Texas Open in the lead-up to the major.

Explaining further his preference for not competing before a tournament of that magnitude, he said: "I honestly just don't like the three tournaments leading up to this event. I'd rather come up here. Like I did a couple of day trips like that where I felt it was a better use of my time than going to Houston or San Antonio."

Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.