Shane Lowry shows his true feelings after Donald Trump causes Irish Open chaos

12:58, Sun, Sep 13, 2026 Updated: 12:58, Sun, Sep 13, 2026

Shane Lowry had to pause play as Marine One landed (Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)

Shane Lowry was left laughing to himself as Donald Trump's helicopter brought play at the Irish Open to a pause due to thunderous roars. Ahead of the US President's arrival at Doonbeg, Chinook helicopters were spotted making low-altitude passes as part of heightened security measures.

Marine One, which is the 80-year-old's presidential helicopter, meanwhile, touched down on a reinforced helipad near the third tee of the resort, before he was ferried to his hotel by a motorcade. On Saturday, the clamour from helicopters forced a temporary pause in play. Lowry looked somewhat frustrated by the interruption as he spoke with the rules official before returning to caddie, Dermot Byrne.

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As the noise started to subside, Lowry was heard saying to Byrne: "I said to him, 'do we have to wait?' He said, 'yeah,'" while letting out a good-natured chuckle. Lowry's impatience to resume shouldn't come as a shock, considering the Irishman is currently enjoying some of his best form.

On Friday, he set the course record at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Ireland after carding an 8-under 62 to claim a three-shot lead going into the weekend. He said during his post-round press conference: "Every time I kept making birdie, I just kept going, wanting to birdie the next.

"I felt like I was in control out there. So it was good fun. It's been a while since I've had that much fun on the golf course, so I'll take it."

Donald Trump visited the Irish Open (Image: Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)

While Lowry seemed somewhat unenthusiastic about the enhanced security arrangements at Doonbeg, Rory McIlroy made it plain he had no concerns regarding the "logistical challenge" that Trump's attendance presented. He explained earlier in the week: "I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge.

"There's a lot that goes into it. They obviously have to lock down a specific area and make sure that it's safe for him to travel into, and the entire delegation, whoever that is. Logistically, it provides a bit of a challenge, but we are at one of his properties that he has kindly provided for us to play a golf tournament."

McIlroy argued that Trump's expected visit "can only be a good thing" for the Irish Open, acknowledging that the Commander-in-Chief would inevitably attract greater interest to the competition. He added: "The President of the United States wants to come watch a little bit of golf.

"I think we are all happy to be here, grateful to be here. His presence at The Irish Open makes it a truly international event. That brings more attention and eyeballs to The Irish Open, and it can only be a good thing."