Irish Open begins at Doonbeg with McIlroy defending title
The Irish Open is being staged at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in County Clare for the first time, with Rory McIlroy leading a strong field.
The 2026 Irish Open has begun at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, bringing the tournament to the venue for the first time.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy headlines the field alongside Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Tom McKibbin, Padraig Harrington and Seamus Power, according to BBC Sport.
McIlroy won last year’s tournament at The K Club after recovering from two shots behind on the 72nd hole with a 25-foot eagle putt. He defeated Joakim Lagergren in a play-off and is seeking a third Irish Open title.
Rahm is also pursuing a third victory after winning the event at Portstewart in 2017 and Lahinch in 2019. Lowry, the 2019 Open champion, is seeking his first individual win in four years, while McKibbin enters the tournament after finishing tied sixth at last month’s British Masters.
The tournament follows Great Britain and Ireland’s Walker Cup win at Lahinch and precedes next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
