2026 Irish Open is set to combine elite golf with major political and celebrity attention, with US President Donald Trump expected to attend the tournament at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare.
A spectacular field featuring Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and several of Europe’s leading Ryder Cup stars will headline the event on Ireland’s west coast. Trump’s expected appearance adds another layer of interest to a tournament already attracting significant attention following Great Britain and Ireland’s dramatic Walker Cup victory at nearby Lahinch.
2026 Irish Open Brings Golf’s Biggest Names to Doonbeg
McIlroy will enter the 2026 Irish Open as defending champion after producing a remarkable finish at The K Club last year.
The Northern Irishman trailed Joakim Lagergren by two shots heading into the final hole in 2025. McIlroy then delivered one of the most memorable moments in Irish Open history, holing a spectacular 25-foot eagle putt to force a playoff.
McIlroy eventually defeated Lagergren on the third extra hole to claim his second Irish Open title.
The victory was another major milestone in a remarkable period for the four-time major champion. Earlier that year, McIlroy had completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, before helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup.
Now, he has the opportunity to move closer to an exclusive club.
A third Irish Open victory would put McIlroy alongside some of the greatest players in the tournament’s history, including Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie.
Strong Irish Contingent Adds to the Field
McIlroy will not be the only home favorite competing at Doonbeg.
Shane Lowry, the 2009 Irish Open champion, will return hoping to rediscover the form that made him one of Ireland’s most celebrated golfers. Lowry famously won the tournament as an amateur and later became a major champion by capturing the 2019 Open Championship.
Tom McKibbin is another Irish player worth watching. The 23-year-old demonstrated his potential at last month’s British Masters, challenging for the title before a costly triple bogey during the final round contributed to a tied-sixth finish.
Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington and two-time PGA Tour winner Seamus Power will further strengthen the Irish challenge.
Rahm Returns Looking for Third Irish Open Title
International attention will also center on Jon Rahm.
The Spaniard has already established an impressive record in Ireland, winning the Irish Open at Portstewart in 2017 and Lahinch in 2019. A victory at Doonbeg would give Rahm his third Irish Open title and further cement his reputation in the tournament.
His participation also comes during continued uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf and its long-term future.
Several LIV players are expected to compete alongside established European stars, including Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin and Joaquin Niemann.
Koepka will be looking for a stronger performance after missing the cut on his Irish Open debut last year.
The 2026 Irish Open will also feature a significant Ryder Cup connection, with former European captain Luke Donald joining players such as Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Højgaard.
The Højgaards have particularly strong Irish Open memories. One of the twins defeated McIlroy at Royal County Down in 2024 to claim the championship.
Trump’s Expected Appearance Adds Political Spotlight
While the golf itself will dominate the competition, Trump’s expected visit could generate attention well beyond the fairways.
Trump owns the Doonbeg resort and is expected to visit Ireland as part of a two-day trip. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
A bilateral meeting with the Irish prime minister is also expected to form part of the visit.
There is further speculation that Trump could take part in the tournament’s closing ceremony. Reports have indicated that he may present the winner with the trophy on Sunday evening.
That possibility would give an already high-profile event an unusual conclusion.
The 2026 Irish Open arrives at an important moment for European golf, bringing together established stars, emerging Irish talent, major champions and Ryder Cup players at one of Ireland’s most distinctive coastal venues.
For McIlroy, the priority will be defending his title and chasing a third Irish Open crown. For Rahm, the challenge is to add another Irish victory to his impressive record. For the LIV players, Doonbeg offers another opportunity to compete against Europe’s leading talent.
And for fans, the combination of world-class golf and Trump’s expected presence promises to make the tournament one of the most closely watched events on the European golfing calendar.
The 2026 Irish Open will also provide a crucial opportunity for players to build momentum before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth the following week.
With Ireland’s Atlantic coastline providing the backdrop, a star-studded field ready to compete and attention extending far beyond golf, Doonbeg is preparing for an Irish Open that could prove memorable both on and off the course.
