'Very close' — Rory McIlroy reacts to Eric Trump's 'friend' claim after helping Donald

Rory McIlroy has set the record straight regarding his relationship with Eric Trump after the businessman referred to the six-time major champion as a "friend of the family."

McIlroy is headlining this week's Irish Open at Trump's Doonbeg resort, with anticipation building ahead of the U.S. President's scheduled weekend visit. Prior to the DP World Tour event, Eric praised McIlroy's involvement in securing Doonbeg as the tournament's venue.

The property, which the U.S. President purchased for approximately $20 million in 2014, is welcoming the Irish Open for the first time, with substantial security measures expected during his appearance. "Rory was so behind this tournament coming to Trump Ireland," Eric stated in January.

"He's a great friend of the family, an incredible guy to say the least and what he does to represent this country is amazing."

During his pre-tournament media session, McIlroy was questioned about whether Eric had exaggerated their connection, to which the six-time major champion responded: "Eric and I live very close to each other, kids are at the same school and see each other at school events from time to time."

Regarding his involvement in bringing the tournament to Trump International Golf Links Ireland, McIlroy explained that DP World Tour officials had sought his views on Doonbeg as a potential venue for his national championship.

He said: "The DP World Tour reached out to me and said, 'Do you think Doonbeg will be a suitable venue for the Irish Open?'

"I said, 'Look, I haven't been there, but from all accounts, I hear it's a very, very good golf course with accommodation on-site. The Irish Open has not been in this part of the world in several years, since Lahinch in 2019. I think it would be a good thing.'"

McIlroy acknowledges that Trump's anticipated appearance on Saturday might prove distracting for competitors, but the Northern Irishman views Trump's interest and participation in the event as a "good thing."

"I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge," he said. "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.

"I said yesterday, 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."

McIlroy will begin play on Thursday as the reigning champion following a dramatic playoff win over Joakim Lagergren 12 months earlier at The K Club.