Rory McIlroy dismissed a question about potential disruption to the third round of the Irish Open caused by Donald Trump's presence, saying a plane at 10,000 feet has nothing to do with looking for a ball on the ground.
The Northern Irishman started day three of the tournament, held at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel, after earlier welcoming the US President's visit. McIlroy said Trump's presence would bring extra publicity to the Doonbeg event.
Air Force One flyover interrupts play
While McIlroy was searching for his ball in the rough on the third hole, Air Force One made a low pass over the course, breaking the tranquil atmosphere. It was the second instance of helicopters flying low, having earlier forced Shane Lowry to pause play as they left the area.
Ruth Gorman posted footage of the incident on X, noting the president's aircraft had entered the scene. She wrote: "Air Force One made a low-level flyover at the Trump International links course. Mad. As Rory McIlroy looks for his ball and Doonbeg prepares for Trump's arrival, a flyover."
McIlroy's response and earlier comments
Additional spectators filmed the same moment as McIlroy's round progressed. When asked after his round whether it had proved distracting, McIlroy appeared unimpressed and dismissed the notion.
"I don't see what a plane at 10,000 feet has got to do with looking for a ball on the ground," McIlroy told journalists.
Days earlier, McIlroy expressed enthusiasm about Trump attending the tournament. He said: "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."
Despite the complications, McIlroy insisted the president's attendance would benefit both the nation and the sport's profile. 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."
