The 2026 Irish Open could feature an unprecedented moment in professional golf, as Rory McIlroy's former agent predicts President Donald Trump would personally present the trophy if the Northern Irishman captures a third title on home soil.
Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler, who represented McIlroy from 2007 to 2011, believes the Commander-in-Chief would make a special appearance at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, when the tournament unfolds this October.
"Absolutely, Trump would hand the trophy over to the winner at the Irish Open," Chandler told BOYLE Sports. "You forget that Donald will have played with Rory three or four times in Jupiter. They're almost neighbors."
The potential ceremonial moment would cap what has already been a remarkable period for McIlroy, who dominated the 2025 season by completing his career Grand Slam and claiming the coveted green jacket. The world No. 2 also secured his second Irish Open title with a thrilling playoff victory over Joakim Lagergren.
Chandler's insight stems from his personal experience with the President, offering a unique perspective on Trump's passion for the game that has defined both men's careers.
"I've played golf with Trump and he's one of those people that is amusing but he's not trying to be. He's very generous," Chandler explained. "When the most famous guy in the world wants to play golf with you, you have to not like him to say no, don't you?"
"I don't know how many times Rory has played with him, but I'll bet it's more than once. Trump loves golfers. He absolutely loves golfers," Chandler continued. "The President of America is a proper golfing nut and there's nothing wrong with it. You're better off having the President of America like golf rather than not like golf. It gives golf a chance."
The 2026 Irish Open represents more than just another tournament for Trump, who has invested heavily in golf properties worldwide. His frequent travels to Mar-A-Lago and substantial golf course investments demonstrate his commitment to the sport, according to Chandler.
"You would expect Trump to go there, he has to go there," Chandler said, drawing parallels to other Trump golf properties.
Chandler also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump's exclusion from hosting The Open Championship at Turnberry, one of his premier Scottish properties.
"I mean, the R&A not giving him Turnberry at The Open is absolutely ridiculous. Turnberry is the best links golf course," Chandler argued. "I'm an absolute Royal Birkdale lover but I think Turnberry is better. For The Open not to go to the best links course in Britain is just bizarre."
The former agent praised Trump's investment approach, particularly his focus on course improvements rather than clubhouse amenities.
"The one thing about Trump is that he invests an awful lot in golf. Not as much in the clubhouse, but his investments are always in the golf course," Chandler noted. "What he did at Turnberry was unbelievable. Right next to the sea, it's a great piece of work there."
Despite political divisions surrounding the President, Chandler maintains that Trump's decisive leadership style translates effectively to his golf business ventures.
"Everybody all over the world, there's some people for him and some people against Trump. In America, it's a 50-50 split but some like him, some don't," Chandler acknowledged. "The one thing about Trump is that he gets things done. Whether you agree with what he's doing is another factor, but at least he has a go and gets things done."
For McIlroy, the prospect of receiving a trophy from the President would add another unique chapter to his already illustrious career. Having split with Chandler in 2011 after four successful years together, the Northern Irishman has continued to build relationships across the golf world, including apparent friendships with high-profile figures like Trump.
The October tournament at Trump International Golf Links promises to deliver compelling storylines both on and off the course, with McIlroy seeking to extend his recent dominance on home soil while potentially creating one of golf's most memorable trophy presentations.