Donald Trump took residence on a private balcony beside the 18th green at his Doonbeg resort after arriving loudly in his Marine One helicopter to watch the third round of the Irish Open
12:54 ET, 12 Sep 2026Updated 16:37 ET, 12 Sep 2026
Donald Trump acknowledged players competing in the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
Donald Trump waved and gave a thumbs-up to players as he settled in to watch the action at the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort.
The U.S. President arrived in his Marine One helicopter after meeting political leaders in Dublin on Saturday, and after being ushered away in a huge motorcade, he took up residence in a private viewing area. His loud arrival on the Co. Clare coast disrupted play, with leader Shane Lowry among the players who paused as U.S. Army Chinooks and Trump’s helicopter landed in front of a large crowd.
Trump and his son, Eric, perched over the balcony beside the 18th green and initially kept an eagle eye on the golf before inviting five-time major champion Brooks Koepka to join them. It comes after Rory McIlroy gave an honest opinion of Trump’s golfing ability.
Later on, they were deep in conversation and were oblivious as Sam Baristow struck a tremendous approach into the last. The Trumps were also seemingly unaware when Jack Senior, playing in the group behind, flared his approach to the right, beyond the gallery rope, and appeared to clip a spectator.
But the players were acknowledged by the U.S. President, who bought the resort for around $20 million in 2014, as they made their way off the green and headed to the scorer’s hut.
Trump then made his way back inside, followed by Eric and the small group of VIPs joining them. An armored cart sat parked outside to whisk him away in due course.
President Trump watched on with his son, Eric(Image: Getty Images)
The U.S. President will host a dinner at Trump International Golf Links Ireland this evening, with Patrick Reed among the players who will be in attendance.
“We’ll have dinner with him tomorrow night, which will be an amazing time. Anytime you can hang out with the President, it’s always fun,” Reed said on Friday.
Reed has also been impressed by the golf course, which is hosting the Irish Open for the first time.
“Every golf course I seem to play of his is challenging,” he added.
“Today was probably the easiest day we’ve had on one of his golf courses in a very long time, and you know the scores are definitely showing it.
“It is always fun coming out here and playing any piece of property he has, and at the same time, spending time with him.”
It comes as McIlroy clearly behaved differently from other players in front of Trump.