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Golf

05th May 2023

Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf course could play host to LIV Golf events

Rory Fleming

Doonbeg LIV Golf

It would be the first time that the controversial breakaway tour has been staged in Ireland.

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour could be set to come to the Trump-owned golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, the son of the former US President has said.

Since the tours formation back in 2021, a host of the sport’s biggest names such as Phil Mickleson and Sergio Garcia, have jumped ship from the PGA Tour in favour of the contentiously funded tournament.

Doonbeg LIV GolfPhil Mickleson is perhaps the most high profile defector from to the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. (Credit: Getty Images)

To date, Ireland’s biggest golfing names have resisted the temptation to part ways with the PGA Tour, with Down’s Rory McIlroy being one of LIV Golf’s most ardent critics.

Speaking to The Irish Times on Thursday, Eric Trump stated that there was “no question” that his father’s golf course was to a suitable standard for hosting major tour events, and that the Trump organisation had already spoken “indirectly” to LIV Golf about such a possibility.

“They know it is an option and we would love to have them over here. I think this course is incredibly well suited for them if they ever choose to come over”, Mr. Trump added.

Eric Trump, who is father Donald’s second son and also tasked with overseeing the family’s extensive golf portfolio, claimed that he would “certainly be open” to staging future LIV Golf events at the West Clare links course.

Doonbeg LIV GolfDonald Trump’s son Eric, who runs the family’s golf interests, is keen on LIV Golf coming to Ireland. (Credit: Getty Images)

Also going on the praise the controversial breakaway tournament, Eric Trump remarked about he believes that LIV Golf have injected a new lease of life into the sport.

“They (LIV Golf) have been fantastic for the game of golf. They have gone in and put a tremendous amount of excitement and energy into golf… We have got a great relationship with them”.

The Saudi-backed tour is already heading to three other Trump-affiliated golf courses around the world for this year’s iteration of the tour, with Doonbeg having also been designed by LIV Golf’s Chief Executive Greg Norman.

On the prospect of Doonbeg hosting a LIV Golf event, Mr. Trump went on to add that it could become a reality “If the opportunity is right”.

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