Palm Beach Gardens, FL …
Rory McIlroy found himself caught up in a totally unnecessary controversy over his decision to accept an invitation to play golf last Sunday with US President Donald Trump.
The World No. 3 found himself, in what is an unprecedented action in his career, defending the decision to play with President Trump.
McIlroy, and in the most strong of words, declared on his Twitter account that his choice “wasn’t an endorsement nor a political statement of any kind.”
As a result of his decision to play with Trump he’s been called a “fascist” and a “bigot”.
Rory McIlroy now finds himself drawn into a totally unnecessary controversy by electing to play golf with US President Donald Trump..
Grossly and totally unfair!
McIlroy added: “Whether you respect the person who holds that position or not, you respect the office that he holds.
“Golf was our common ground, nothing else. I’ve travelled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to befriend people from many different countries, beliefs and cultures.”
McIlroy, who is returning to competition next week in Mexico City, is not the only star golfer to have joined the president on the course with Tiger Woods having played with Trump just prior to Christmas and then just last fortnight Ernie Els also received criticism on social media this month when he played with President Trump and Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, at Trump National Golf Club in Jupiter.
“I felt it was a duty to play with the president if you get the call,” Els said. “If it was Barack Obama, I would have played. If it was Hillary Clinton, I would have played.”
Fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington had been asked by www.golfbytourmiss.com if he would accept a Trump invitation to play with the US President.
“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.”
