one minute agoBen BlakeThe 2026 Irish Open by numbers
Read Brian Keogh’s explainer, which includes a breakdown of the Doonbeg course. Irish Open explainer — the TV details, course, the stars and everything you need to know about Trump DoonbegArrival of US president Donald Trump this weekend shines spotlight on Clare venue, as Rory McIlroy looks to make historywww.independent.ie 6 minutes agoBen BlakeSecurity, secrecy and speculation surround Irish Open week
Conor McKeon on how Donald Trump’s looming arrival has become the dominant story.Conor McKeon: Doonbeg braces itself for Donald Trump’s latest invasionQuite how the arrival of the US president will affect the Irish Open is anyone’s guesswww.independent.ie 6 minutes agoBen BlakeThe global spotlight shines on West Clare
Brian Keogh previews the tournament and picks out four players to watch. Brian Keogh: Multiple agendas competing with the Donald Trump factor at windy DoonbegRyder Cup, Race to Dubai and battle for cards all part of the bigger picture in west Clarewww.independent.ie 8 minutes agoBen BlakeFirst and second round tee times
There are 10 Irish players in the field this week, six of whom – Mark Power, Conor Sharvin, Séamus Power, Pádraig Harrington, Thomas Higgins and Max Kennedy – have already begun their first rounds. 
The remaining quartet of Tom McKibbin (1.15), Rory McIlroy (1.35), Shane Lowry (1.45) and Liam Nolan (3.10) are all preparing to tee off shortly. Irish Open tee times revealed: Ryder Cup flavour to opening rounds at Trump DoonbegRory McIlroy grouped with Robert MacIntyre and Brooks Koepka as Shane Lowry tees it up with Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed in Co Clarewww.independent.ie 13 minutes agoBen BlakeGood afternoon and welcome along to the Irish Independent’s coverage of the 71st edition of the Irish Open.
The 138-strong field is the strongest we’ve seen at this tournament in many years, and we look set for a fascinating four days of golf at Doonbeg. 
However, with the Donald Trump scheduled to visit the course he owns at some stage, the US president may yet overshadow events. 
Twelve months ago, we witnessed one of the Irish sporting moments of 2025. There were joyous scenes as the K Club crowd erupted in unison to celebrate Rory McIlroy’s second Irish Open triumph, following a dramatic play-off with Joakim Lagergren. 
Along with fellow two-time winner Jon Rahm, the defending champion will be aiming to join Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie by claiming a third title. 
We will be across the action right up to the final putt on Sunday with daily blogs as well as reports, reaction and analysis from Brian Keogh and Conor McKeon in Co Clare. Doonbeg has been preparing for the arrival of spectators from around the world this weekend. Brendan Moran/SportsfileTickarooLive Blog Software