Irish Open at Doonbeg Brings Big Hopes and Big Challenges
The excitement in west Clare has been undeniable since the news broke that next year’s Amgen Irish Open will be staged at Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg. For locals, this isn’t just a sporting event—it’s being seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the area to the world. Cheers went up across the village when confirmation came through, and the sense of pride and anticipation has only grown since.
Former Clare footballer and keen golfer David Tubridy, who also helps run his family’s gastro pub in the village, summed it up by calling the announcement “massive for the area.” He pointed to the example of Lahinch, where a previous Irish Open drew enormous crowds and brought a wave of international visitors. The hope now is that Doonbeg and the wider Clare region will see the same spotlight, with an economic boost that could ripple far beyond the fairways.
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Of course, much of the buzz also centers on Rory McIlroy. His recent win at the K Club reminded everyone of the magnetism he brings to Irish golf. Tubridy said it would be “unbelievable” if McIlroy tees it up in Doonbeg next September, and he has no doubt that his presence would create an electric atmosphere. Just the memory of the crowd erupting when McIlroy made his eagle putt at the 18th last week still lingers, and locals are already imagining a repeat of that passion in Clare.
The Trump Organization’s €40 million investment in the resort since 2014 has kept the course in pristine condition, and its facilities are considered top tier. Still, challenges remain. Roads, water systems, and local infrastructure will all need attention to cope with the sheer numbers expected to descend on the area. Councillor Rita McInerney, who also runs a shop in the village, voiced confidence that the community and local government will “step up to the plate,” though she acknowledged the pressure on accommodation and transport. She believes west Clare’s history of hosting large events will stand to it, and that hotels, restaurants, and shops will rise to meet the demand.
Accommodation will undoubtedly be tight, but with private rentals, nearby towns, and neighboring villages like Kilkee and Spanish Point pitching in, there is a sense that the region can handle the influx. Beyond logistics, there’s also the unavoidable political context. Donald Trump’s name is as divisive in Clare as anywhere else, with some locals supportive and others less so. Yet even those who take issue with the politics admit that the resort has brought jobs, kept young people working locally during the summer, and supported the village economy in a way that cannot be ignored.
In the end, the sentiment on the ground is clear: the Irish Open coming to Doonbeg is good news. It won’t be without headaches—traffic, logistics, and a controversial name attached to the venue—but the pride of hosting an event of this scale, and the benefits it could bring to the community, far outweigh the concerns. West Clare is preparing for its moment in the global golf spotlight, and locals are determined to make it count.
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