Rory McIlroy is set for an awkward reunion with Donald Trump at the Irish Open this week, months after skipping the Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral. The Northern Irishman is defending his title at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in County Clare.
Trump expected at Doonbeg
McIlroy, 37, regularly skips tournaments during the PGA Tour season to prioritise the four major championships and spend time with his family. The Cadillac Championship earlier this year was an event the US president had admitted he was excited to watch the golfer play in.
However, the Masters champion did not tee up in Miami. The chance 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 will meet Irish president Catherine Connolly and prime minister Micheal Martin. According to the BBC, Trump could present the winner with the Irish Open trophy on Sunday.
Star-studded field
McIlroy is headlining a field that includes 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.
McIlroy's habit of skipping tournaments has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years. He explained his decision in January, saying: "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."
Pre-Masters schedule
Before 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 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."
