Rory McIlroy scoffs as reporter asks if Donald Trump distraction cost him at Irish Open
Rory McIlroy scoffs as reporter asks if Donald Trump distraction cost him at Irish Open
Kylee HansenSat, September 12, 2026 at 9:13 PM UTC
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Rory McIlroy said the helicopters had nothing to do with his ball search -Credit:Getty Images
Rory McIlroy was not happy about a question regarding a possible distraction during the third round of the Irish Open.
McIlroy teed off in the third round of the tournament at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel after the world No. 2 said he was looking forward to welcoming the president, as it draws attention to the event in Doonbeg.
During the third round of the Irish Open, while McIlroy was searching for his golf ball in the rough near the third hole, the quiet moment was interrupted as Air Force One flew low over Trump International Doonbeg.
The dramatic flyover wasn’t the first time the helicopters had flown low, as they also forced third-round leader Shane Lowry to pause his round so they could fly away.
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Ruth Gorman shared a video of the moment on X, saying that the president's air force entered the situation.
“Air Force One made a low-level flyover at the Trump International links course,” wrote Gorman. “Mad. As Rory McIlroy looks for his ball and Doonbeg prepares for Trump’s arrival, a flyover.” More people had captured the same unusual moment as McIlroy’s round continued.
Asked about a possible distraction after the round, McIlroy wasn’t too happy.
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McIlroy was not happy with the reporters question regarding Trump's helicopter -Credit:Getty Images
“I don't see what a plane at 10,000 feet has got to do with looking for a ball on the ground,” responded McIlroy to the reporters unhappily.
Just days before, the Northern Irishman commented on his excitement for Trump to make an appearance at the tournament, and he’s also heading to a dinner with the president tonight.
“I think when the sitting President of the United States of America visits anywhere, it becomes a logistical challenge,” said McIlroy.
The logistics included many low-flying helicopters and major security breaches for fans.
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“There's a lot that goes into it. They obviously have to lock down a specific area and make sure that it's safe for him to travel into, and the entire delegation, whoever that is,” said McIlroy.
“Logistically, it provides a bit of a challenge but we are at one of his properties that he has kindly provided for us to play a golf tournament.”
Despite the struggles, McIlroy said the president's arrival only does good for the country and for awareness of the sport.
“The President of the United States wants to come watch a little bit of golf,” said McIlroy. “I think we are all happy to be here, grateful to be here. His presence at The Irish Open makes it a truly international event. That brings more attention and eyeballs to The Irish Open, and it can only be a good thing.”
Source: “AOL Sports”
