Golf legend Rory McIlroy and US President Donald Trump share a somewhat turbulent history. Despite the pair having played together in the past, the Northern Irish star has publicly distanced himself from the divisive commander-in-chief – even going as far as avoiding a round of golf with the 79-year-old for a remarkable eight years.
It appears, however, that time has smoothed over old tensions, as Trump made a surprise address to McIlroy at Tuesday’s state dinner held in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The world-renowned golfer attended as a guest of the president alongside his wife, Erica Stoll, when Trump offered his congratulations on McIlroy’s recent Masters triumph
“This unconquerable courage, it really is, it’s unconquerable. Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Stand up Rory, will you please?” Trump said in apparent off-the-cuff remarks. “That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory.
“I don’t know if that helps, talk about how wonderful in the speech, but I had to interrupt my speech, because I watched that man win a tournament, that was a tough one. Congratulations, very proud of you.”
Relations between the two have not always been so warm, however, with McIlroy and Trump famously avoiding each other on the fairways for years. Back in 2017, McIlroy found himself having to justify his decision to play a round with the then newly elected President.
