The Amgen Irish Open has found a new home for 2026, and it certainly captured the attention of the Golf world when it was announced as part of the DP World Tour schedule yesterday.
Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, will host the tournament from September 10th to 13th, marking the first time the event has been held at a Trump-owned venue, and the second time, after Lahinch, that it has been hosted in Clare.
Within hours of the confirmation, Donald Trump took to social media, declaring:
“The great people of Ireland will host one of golf’s most important championships at our world-class Trump Doonbeg. This is fantastic news for Ireland, for golf, and for all who love the game. We look forward to welcoming the world in 2026 — it will be AMAZING!”
His son Eric Trump, who oversees the family’s international golf portfolio, struck a more measured but equally enthusiastic note, saying the Trump Organisation was “incredibly proud” to host the Irish Open. “Doonbeg is absolutely remarkable,” he said. “It will be an honour to welcome the DP World Tour, the players, and fans from across the globe.”
Politics and Policy in Play
For Irish politicians, the reaction was cautious but pragmatic. Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed the news as a further sign of Ireland’s ability to attract global sporting events.
He emphasised the importance of the Irish-US relationship. He pointed to the tournament’s potential for tourism and job creation, as well as the significance of US companies and investment in Ireland.
Tournament sponsor Amgen plays a significant role as an investor.
Tánaiste Simon Harris was more reserved. He acknowledged the economic benefits that would flow to Clare and the wider West of Ireland but was careful to avoid appearing overly celebratory about Donald Trump’s direct involvement.
“Where the Irish Open is held is not a decision for me,” he remarked, “but I know many in the local community will welcome the boost.”
Local Impact
The scale of the opportunity is significant.
In 2023, the Horizon Irish Open at the K Club attracted over 130,000 spectators and generated an estimated €24 million in direct economic impact, with an additional 400 million households worldwide reached via broadcast.
Those numbers will have grown again for Rory McIlroy’s win at the same venue last week.
Clare Chamber of Commerce said the event could deliver “tens of millions of euro” in visitor spend. Local hotels in Doonbeg, Kilkee, and Lahinch are already reporting early interest from international travel operators who package golf trips around the Open.
Fáilte Ireland described the decision as “a significant win for Irish golf tourism.” The agency is expected to invest in a global campaign promoting the Wild Atlantic Way in the lead-up to 2026, tying the championship to broader tourism growth targets.
Local hoteliers echoed the sentiment. One Doonbeg operator described the announcement as “a godsend for the shoulder season” that would extend visitor stays into mid-September, traditionally quieter for the West Clare economy. Restaurants and transport operators also anticipate a surge in demand.
Golfing World Divided
From a golf perspective, the decision highlights the continuing rise of Ireland as a world-class destination. Lahinch next door will host next year’s Walker Cup before the Ryder Cup lands at Adare Manor in 2027.
Doonbeg, designed by Greg Norman and set along a protected stretch of Clare’s coastline, is widely admired for its rugged beauty and testing links layout.
Trump-owned courses have staged major events in Scotland and the United States, and the Irish Open is no different in seeking out venues that will test players and draw fans. Yet behind the acclaim, questions linger.
Environmental restrictions around the Doonbeg dunes mean crowd sizes and temporary infrastructure will need to be carefully managed.
Some within the Irish golfing community have expressed concern over the logistical challenges of staging a global event in a relatively remote location.
Others worry about reputational risk in linking Irish sport so visibly with the Trump brand.
There will certainly be a more heightened view on security in the face of potential protests, and there is also the question of whether the US President himself might be part of the show when it lands in 12 months time.
Image Credit Trump International Golf Club
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