2026 Amgen Irish Open Preview: McIlroy and Rahm Headline Star-Studded Field at Doonbeg

The DP World Tour's late-season sprint hits the dramatic Atlantic coastline of County Clare this week, as the 2026 Amgen Irish Open tees off at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg. Beginning Thursday, September 10, a 156-player field will tackle the 1.5-mile stretch of dunes along Doughmore Bay, competing for a $6 million prize fund and crucial Race to Dubai points. The tournament marks the first time the historic national open has been contested on the Greg Norman-designed, Martin Hawtree-refined layout, setting the stage for a spectacular links test ahead of next week's flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.[1][5][6]

The stakes are massive for defending champion Rory McIlroy, who arrives looking to secure his third Irish Open title. The Northern Irishman claimed his second crown in unforgettable fashion at The K Club in 2025, holing a 28-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff before defeating Joakim Lagergren on the third extra hole. Currently sitting second in the world rankings, McIlroy is aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back Irish Opens since Colin Montgomerie accomplished the feat in 1996 and 1997.[1][4]

"Winning this tournament twice means a lot to me and it's always a place I enjoy playing," McIlroy said ahead of the event. "The courses, the fans and the challenge of links golf make it a special week." He leads a 10-strong Irish contingent that includes Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, and Tom McKibbin, all hoping to keep the trophy on home soil against a formidable international invasion.[1][4]

For Shane Lowry, the week carries its own historic weight. The Offaly native is making his 18th consecutive appearance at the Irish Open, a streak that dates back to his legendary victory as an amateur in 2009. Lowry remains the most recent player to win on the DP World Tour before turning professional, and he continues to be one of the biggest draws for the passionate home crowds. He will be looking to feed off that energy as he chases a second national title on a course that demands creativity and precision in the wind.[1][4][6]

The Doonbeg layout itself presents a unique rhythm for the field. Opened in 2002, the par-72 course features an unusual scorecard consisting of five par-fives and five par-threes. The mixture of Fescue, Bentgrass, and Ryegrass on the fairways, combined with Marram grass covering the towering surrounding dunes, ensures that weather will dictate scoring conditions. Jacob Skov Olesen and Joe Dean—who recently won in brutal conditions at The Belfry—are among the rising stars looking to capitalize on the demanding coastal setup.[3][4][7]

Adding significant firepower to the field is a strong contingent of LIV Golf stars, led by two-time Irish Open champion Jon Rahm. The Spaniard, who dominated the event at Portstewart in 2017 and won again at Lahinch in 2019, is making his first start since the LIV Golf Indianapolis event. He is joined by Brooks Koepka, Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Reed, and Joaquin Niemann, all seeking world ranking points and the prestige of a historic national open.[2][4]

The presence of the LIV Golf roster sets up a compelling clash against DP World Tour stalwarts like Robert MacIntyre, Rasmus Højgaard, and Thriston Lawrence. Lawrence arrives in Ireland fresh off a dramatic playoff victory at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, where he erased a six-shot deficit. With the Ryder Cup qualification window looming on the horizon, every point matters for the European hopefuls looking to catch captain Luke Donald's eye.[2][4]

Off the course, the event is preparing for a massive logistical operation, with Donald Trump reportedly planning to attend the tournament at his property. The US President is expected to arrive in Ireland on Saturday for diplomatic meetings before traveling to County Clare for Sunday's final round. Security will be heavily reinforced around the 18th green, where the winner will claim the €880,000 top prize and the momentum heading into the tour's defining autumn stretch.[1][7]