Amgen Irish Open Preview: Rory McIlroy, John Rahm and Brooks Koepka Head to Doonbeg

The Amgen Irish Open returns next week, with some of the biggest names in world golf heading to County Clare for four days of action from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September 2026.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy leads an outstanding field at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, where he will be joined by Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and a host of Ryder Cup and Major winners. The tournament will also break new ground as Doonbeg prepares to host Ireland’s national open for the first time.

Experience the Amgen Irish Open with Green on 18 Hospitality

Golf fans can experience the 2026 Amgen Irish Open in VIP style with Eventmasters’ Green on 18 hospitality. Guests receive official VIP admission and access to the Green on 18 hospitality suite, with a viewing terrace overlooking the 18th fairway and green providing an excellent position to watch players complete their rounds. The package also includes morning coffee and breakfast, a three-course lunch with selected wines, a complimentary bar serving beer, wine, house spirits and soft drinks, an afternoon food offering and reserved VIP parking. Private reserved tables are also available throughout the day for groups of 10 or 12.

Secure your booking for one of golf’s biggest events here.

Rory McIlroy Returns as Defending Champion

Much of the attention will inevitably fall on Rory McIlroy as he attempts to successfully defend the Irish Open title.

McIlroy produced a memorable finish at The K Club in 2025, defeating Joakim Lagergren in a play-off to claim his second Irish Open crown.

His victory came nine years after he first lifted the trophy in 2016 and formed part of a remarkable 2025 season which also saw him complete the career Grand Slam at The Masters and finish the year as Race to Dubai Champion for the seventh time.

Now he returns home attempting to make it three Irish Open victories.

“Playing in front of Irish fans is always incredibly special,” McIlroy said when confirming his appearance earlier this year.

“The scenes at The K Club last year were unforgettable.

“The roar when I holed my eagle putt on the 18th and the energy from the crowd will stay with me forever. Hopefully I can give the fans more of the same this year at Doonbeg.”

Jon Rahm Looking for a Third Irish Open Crown

McIlroy is not the only multiple Irish Open champion in the field.

Jon Rahm returns to an event at which he has enjoyed considerable success, having lifted the trophy at Portstewart in 2017 before winning again at Lahinch two years later.

His second victory is particularly relevant ahead of this year’s tournament, with Lahinch also situated on the County Clare coastline and providing the Spaniard with previous experience of winning an Irish Open in links conditions.

Another victory at Doonbeg would see Rahm add a third Irish Open title to his record and further strengthen his place among the most successful players in the tournament’s recent history.

Brooks Koepka Joins Star-Studded Field

Five-time Major Champion Brooks Koepka provides another major attraction after confirming his place in the field.

The American is a three-time US PGA Champion and two-time US Open winner and will make his second consecutive Irish Open appearance following his tournament debut at The K Club in 2025.

Doonbeg, however, will present a new challenge.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open,” Koepka said.

“I’m excited to experience the challenges of links golf at Doonbeg for the first time, and once again play in front of some of the most passionate golf fans. It’s always great to be back playing in Europe.”

Koepka’s addition means three of the most recognisable names of their generation will be competing on the County Clare coast, with McIlroy, Rahm and Koepka sharing 12 Major Championship victories between them.

Lowry and Harrington Lead Strong Irish Challenge

There will be plenty of home interest beyond McIlroy.

Shane Lowry returns to the tournament he famously won as an amateur at County Louth in 2009, while 2007 champion Pádraig Harrington is also confirmed.

Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin further strengthen the Irish contingent.

The wider field features considerable Ryder Cup pedigree. Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka, Rasmus Højgaard and Nicolai Højgaard are all scheduled to compete, alongside European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Patrick Reed and 2018 Open Champion Francesco Molinari are also confirmed, giving the 138-player field considerable depth.

A New Irish Open Test at Doonbeg

While the players provide plenty of intrigue, the course will be just as significant.

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg will host the Irish Open for the first time, taking the tournament back to County Clare for the first time since Rahm’s victory at Lahinch in 2019.

The championship links opened in 2002 following an original design by Greg Norman and was later redesigned by renowned links architect Dr Martin Hawtree.

Running alongside Doughmore Bay, the course works its way through natural sand dunes with views of the Atlantic Ocean available from 16 of its 18 holes. Its par-72 layout measures 7,026 yards from the back tees and features an unusual combination of five par threes and five par fives.

Doonbeg also operates as a single loop, with nine holes taking players out before the final nine bring them back towards the clubhouse.

As with any exposed links course, conditions could significantly influence how it plays. Wind direction and strength can change the demands of individual holes, placing an emphasis on controlling ball flight, judging approach shots and adapting throughout the round.

That provides a significant contrast to The K Club, where McIlroy claimed the title on a parkland layout last year.

While the players provide plenty of intrigue, the course will be just as significant.

Four Days of Championship Golf in County Clare

The 2026 Amgen Irish Open will be played over 72 holes, with all 138 players completing the opening two rounds before the leading 65 players and ties progress into the weekend.

A hole-by-hole play-off will decide the champion if players remain tied for the lead following Sunday’s final round, while the tournament carries a prize fund of $6 million.

With McIlroy defending his title, Rahm targeting another Irish Open victory, Koepka making his first competitive appearance at Doonbeg and a field packed with Major and Ryder Cup winners, there is plenty to look forward to when play gets underway next Thursday.

And with Eventmasters’ Green on 18 hospitality putting guests alongside the closing stages of each round, there is an opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest weeks on the DP World Tour calendar from a premium setting overlooking Doonbeg’s 18th.

Amgen Irish Open 2026 FAQs

When is the 2026 Amgen Irish Open?

The competitive rounds of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open take place from Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th September. The tournament week begins with the Pro-Am on Wednesday 9th September.

Where is the 2026 Amgen Irish Open taking place?

The tournament will be held at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland. It is the first time the course has hosted the Irish Open.

Is Rory McIlroy playing at the 2026 Amgen Irish Open?

Yes. Rory McIlroy is confirmed and returns as defending champion after beating Joakim Lagergren in a play-off at The K Club in 2025.

Are Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka playing at the Irish Open?

Yes. Two-time Irish Open champion Jon Rahm and five-time Major Champion Brooks Koepka are both confirmed for the 2026 field at Doonbeg.

Which other players are competing at the 2026 Amgen Irish Open?

The confirmed field includes Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Tyrrell Hatton, Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka, Francesco Molinari, Luke Donald, Rasmus Højgaard and Nicolai Højgaard, alongside Irish players Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin.

What is included with Eventmasters’ Green on 18 hospitality?

Green on 18 includes official VIP admission and course access, entry to the hospitality suite, a viewing terrace overlooking the 18th fairway and green, morning coffee and breakfast, a three-course lunch with selected wines, a complimentary bar, afternoon food and reserved VIP parking. Private reserved tables are also available for groups of 10 or 12.