Palm Beach Gardens, FL …

Padraig Harrington admitted he would welcome joining Tiger Woods, Ernie and Rory McIlroy in honouring an invitation to play golf with US President, Donald Trump.

Trump’s been in office just over a month and he’s already had more golf than most in the still winter-locked northern hemisphere.

In fact, CNN reported on Tuesday night Trump’s had six games in the New Year and even putting his own ‘reporting team’ off guard as evident when McIlroy inadvertently contradicted the White House confirming the pair played a full 18-holes at Trump National at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.

Trump played with Tiger Woods just prior to Christmas and a fortnight ago Ernie Els joining the visiting Japanese PM in playing with Trump.

Padraig Harrington in 2007 with the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Harrington’s never had the pleasure of playing golf with a US President but remarked on the eve of this week’s Honda Classic in Florida, and just a short drive from Trump National where the US leader played with Woods, Els and McIlroy, that he would delight in honouring Trump’s invitation.

“Of course, I would respect the office of the President of the United States and play with the democratically elected leader”, said Harrington.

“So, Yes, I would be excited to play a round of golf with the President and I would respect the people of the United States by honouring the invitation from their President to play, and of course I would accept.

“I don’t think I’ve ever played golf with a head of government but then I have played with a lot of ministers including many Irish Government ministers.”