On Saturday, Trump touched down in Ireland, marking the start of a two-day visit that includes meetings in Dublin and a stop at his own resort.
That resort happens to be Doonbeg, which is hosting the Irish Open, with the tournament in its final round. Shortly after landing, Trump posted a video of himself swinging a club on Truth Social, captioning it, “Such a great golfer. Too bad I have very little time to play!!!” Tracking sites estimate he’s spent roughly 22% of his second term at a golf course.
Such a great golfer. Too bad I have very little time to play!!!
( TS: Sep 12 2026, 5:06 AM ET ) https://t.co/HvVep0csB8
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) September 12, 2026
He circled back to the subject once he reached Dublin.
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Standing beside Taoiseach Micheál Martin, he called his own resort “rated one of the greatest courses in the world.” He also joked about Secret Service protection turning bystanders into what he described as collateral damage during his rounds, and argued that the sheer number of agents nearby makes cheating physically impossible, addressing accusations that have followed him for years.
Security has been tightened considerably at the property for the visit, which makes an actual round look unlikely despite all the complaining.
Rory McIlroy, last year’s champion and one of the players chasing this year’s title, offered a measured take on competing with a sitting president in attendance. “His golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events,” McIlroy said, adding that the field’s real focus stays on the fairway regardless of who’s watching. Shane Lowry currently leads heading into the final round, a fact that’s gotten far less airtime than the president’s swing.
Ahead of Trump’s arrival, Irish politician Aodhán Ó Ríordáin argued publicly against rolling out the welcome mat, saying “the red carpet should not be rolled out for Trump in Dublin.” Security planning reportedly factored in the likelihood of protests, and officials confirmed the trip wouldn’t count as a formal state visit, sidestepping some of the ceremonial weight that typically comes with a sitting president’s arrival.
Trump’s boasts about his own game have a way of following him past any single tournament, too. Last month, he declared himself champion of a member competition at his Bedminster club, bragging online about besting the field despite limited practice. “It’s called TALENT, and I have it, and they don’t!” he wrote.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
