Rory McIlroy has his say on Donald Trump's Irish Open visit

Rory McIlroy has his say on Donald Trump's Irish Open visit US President Donald Trump is set to attend the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf course this weekend View Image Rory McIlroy practices on the 15th hole at Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) Rory McIlroy has said that Donald Trump is welcome to attend the Irish Open this weekend, though he acknowledged the US President's presence will create an unusual atmosphere. ‌ Trump is expected to watch the tournament at his Doonbeg course on Saturday and Sunday as McIlroy looks to defend the title he claimed at the K Club last year. ‌ The President's visit will result in enhanced security measures at the Clare links, with organisers anticipating demonstrations against the divisive figure. ‌ McIlroy, who completed a practice round on the Clare course on Tuesday before Thursday's first round, conceded that Trump's attendance will pose certain difficulties for organisers and spectators. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, McIlroy said: "It's going to be different with him [Trump] being here. "We're here to play a golf tournament, and it's a good golf course and we will keep our heads down and play. ‌ "I think the weekend, especially when he's here, crowds will be limited. "Obviously, there's a lot that's going on. Logistically, it provides some challenges, absolutely, but at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no." McIlroy begins the weeks as one of the main draws in an impressive field featuring major champions Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka. ‌ But the dominant narrative over the weekend will likely not be the golf, but on Trump and his family's visit to the west Clare village. Joe Russell, the general manager of Trump International Golf Links and Hotel, revealed to RTE's News at One on Tuesday that he expects Trump to take in the action on both Saturday and Sunday. Russell explained: "He will come in on Saturday afternoon. He's going to land here and probably take in the evening golf. He's with us overnight on Saturday and here on Sunday and then will depart on Sunday evening. ‌ "He's bringing the Trump family, Eric and Don Jr are also coming and they're bringing their families with them, so we'll have a big presence from the Trump family." Russell confirmed his Doonbeg staff are liaising closely with the White House, Secret Service and An Garda Siochana, with heightened security measures planned throughout the weekend at the course. "They're all working in collaboration with each other on-site, off-site arrangements, and we flow into that," he stated. ‌ "We provide the hospitality, but we also need to ensure that we're following security protocols and all the access and other arrangements that they make." Russell added that gardai have preparations in place for potential demonstrations during the controversial US President's visit to the golf resort he purchased in 2014. Regarding possible protests, he commented: "That's what we're hearing, but my main concern is what's going on inside the boundaries of the golf club. Article continues below "If protests happen, they happen. They have been discussed and An Garda Siochana are well experienced in dealing with them and we'll leave that in their capable hands."