Donald Trump flew Air Force One low over the Irish Open on Saturday, timing a dramatic flyover of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, just as Rory McIlroy searched for his ball after a wayward tee shot.
The jet appeared to take a detour over the course, which is hosting the Irish Open for the first time, before Trump landed nearby in Shannon. He was due to travel onward by helicopter to watch Saturday's play, featuring some of the world's top golfers.
McIlroy is the headline attraction at the tournament in his home country, while fellow Ryder Cup player Shane Lowry led the leaderboard heading into the weekend. McIlroy, a multiple major champion from Northern Ireland, is one of the biggest draws in the sport and a regular member of Europe's Ryder Cup team. The Irish Open is organized by the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, and Trump International Golf Links & Hotel is a seaside resort on Ireland's west coast owned by the Trump Organization.
McIlroy's nightmare third hole
McIlroy started the day two-under par after a difficult opening two rounds. But he ran into trouble immediately on the third hole, hitting his tee shot wildly off target and eventually carding a double-bogey six.
Air Force One flew over just as McIlroy, along with fans and volunteers, was combing the area for his ball, creating an unusual scene as the jet suddenly disrupted the search.
The low pass came shortly before Trump's arrival at the course, where he was scheduled to arrive by helicopter later on Saturday to watch some of the tournament's top players in action.
Eric Trump's praise for McIlroy
Earlier in the day, McIlroy was filmed shaking hands with Eric Trump, the president's son, before his tee time. Eric Trump's children attend the same school in Florida as McIlroy's daughter, Poppy.
"[Rory's] been a great master of golf," Eric Trump said. "He's always been incredibly kind to us. My kids go to the same school as his. We see him in Jupiter, Florida, where we live, all the time."
He added: "He's had nothing but great things to say about the hotel. He's played with many of our properties over the years, whether it be Cadillac Championship at Doral [in Miami], you know, most of our properties easily at some point. He's a fantastic guy and person that we respect immensely and certainly has been a friend of the family, and it's great to have him here."
McIlroy on the 'logistical challenge'
McIlroy appeared keen to avoid a political discussion at the tournament, though he acknowledged the disruption caused by Trump's visit. As Air Force One flew over, Secret Service personnel were already arriving at the course to prepare for the president's arrival by helicopter.
"I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge," McIlroy 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."
Doonbeg's first Irish Open
Despite the disruption, McIlroy said Trump was welcome at the course, which he had recommended to organizers as a suitable venue for the 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," McIlroy said. "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."
He explained that the DP World Tour had asked him whether Doonbeg would be a suitable venue. "I said, 'Look, I haven't been there but from all accounts, I hear it's a very, very good golf course with accommodation onsite.' 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."
