New-look Doonbeg braced for Donald Trump and potential Irish Open ‘disruption’ (original) (raw)

Speculation about big-name announcements is part and parcel of every Amgen Irish Open build-up, but when the venue is Trump International Golf Links Ireland – Doonbeg, there’s only one name driving interest — US President Donald Trump.

While two-time Irish Open winner Jon Rahm is widely expected to confirm his return after a seven-year absence and Bryson DeChambeau has not yet been ruled out for what could be a mouth-watering battle with Rory McIlroy and Co, there is no confirmation yet that President Trump will be at his west Clare resort from September 10-13.

He’s said he wants to be there, but all that was confirmed at the official media day is that, should he make the trip, the already significant disruption to the local community will increase exponentially.

“I suppose the main question is President Trump,” the resort’s General Manager Joe Russell admitted. “We have no confirmation of that yet. We do know he wants to come, but the way the world is, you never know what’s going to happen. But we have not received any confirmation yet.”

A total attendance of around 75,000 is expected to swarm over the links, which has been transformed twice since it opened in 2002 and will offer the likes of defending champion McIlroy and Major-winning stars like Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington a 6,950-yard par-70 test with the redesigned first, the new 18th hole, and the rebuilding of all 54 bunkers, the biggest recent changes.

A park-and-ride system will be the order of the day in this remote corner of west Clare, but should the US President decide to drop in to press the flesh, even briefly, Russell and his staff believe the community will welcome the chaos that accompanies a political figure who was roundly booed when he became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

“I can’t speak for the entire community, but I say this, based on the reaction which I’m having since the announcement [of the event coming], I think people are welcoming the disruption, you know, whatever shape that’s going to take,” he said.

“The situation as relates to President Trump, there’s nothing we can do to control what’s going on in the world. But one thing I can say to you is that since the Trump Organisation has taken over this resort, it’s been an upward trend, the people in the community who are benefiting, both socially and economically and every other way from the resort, there’s a very positive vibe here towards the Trump Organisation, and that’s as much as we can control.”

Whatever happens with President Trump, it’s clear that this year’s Irish Open will have a very strong field with Masters champion McIlroy set to defend his title against a field that already includes Padraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power, Tom McKibbin, Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Tyrrell Hatton, the Hojgaard twins and the likely presence of Rahm, who will be keen to match Seve Ballesteros and win a third title.

“The Amgen Irish Open is one of the preeminent national opens on the Tour,” said Championship Director Paul Gillmon.

“Sunday, we are sold out, and Saturday gets close to that and pushes into the midweek as well. I’m anticipating as strong an attendance as we’ve had in the past few years.”

As for Trump, Gillmon believes interest in McIlroy and Co will win the day in the end, whatever transpires.

“Obviously, the question is very valid,” he said of the divisiveness Trump creates.

“People have opinions. I think, in this particular instance, it’s the curiosity about seeing all the changes to the Doonbeg golf course.

“A strong driver, I think, if Rory keeps doing what he’s doing and people want to see him come back and defend his Irish Open, for everyone that was there at The K Club, the scenes around 18 were pretty incredible for an Irish Open.

“I think that’s what’s driving the impact of Irish golf, irrespective of any associations that you agree or disagree with.

“I think golf is the thing that’s winning, and seeing one of the top links golf courses in Ireland hosting an Irish Open is fantastic.”

As for the links, redesigned by Dr Martin Hawtree in 2016, the par-five first and 13th holes will become par fours, while the new 18th is a big improvement on its predecessor.

“The amount of work done in three or four months was astronomical,” said Head of Golf, Brian Shaw, who reckons Rahm would love the challenge.

“Seve has won three Irish Opens,” he said. “Jon Rahm around here would be phenomenal, a great watch, as obviously would be Shane and Rory.

“But I think Rahm would absolutely love this place. His shot‑making, things like that. He has such a touch around the greens, and I personally think he’d be one of the biggest draws if we managed to get him.”