US President Donald Trump interrupted his speech during a White House banquet to ask Rory McIlroy to stand, and praised the golfer for his “unconquerable courage”.
The president was speaking during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit and broke off to address McIlroy, who was one of the guests at the dinner.
McIlroy successfully defended his Masters title earlier in April, becoming only the fourth man to win back-to-back at Augusta, as he sealed a one-shot victory.
Trump said: “The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share. This unstoppable daring, this unconquerable courage. It really is, it’s unconquerable.
“Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up Rory, will you, please?
“That was unconquerable courage. That was very good Rory. I don’t know if that helps him talking about how wonderful 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.”
While McIlroy attended the White House, he has opted not to play this week’s Cadillac Championship, which is being hosted at the President’s Trump Doral National resort just 90 miles – or a 20-30-minute flight – from the world number two’s home in Florida.
The tournament is one of eight Signature Events, boasting a 20million US dollar (£14.8m) prize fund with no 36-hole cut and 3.6m USD (£2.6m) for the winner.
However, he will make his comeback after his Masters victory next week in the Truist Championship – another Signature Event – at Quail Hollow in Charlotte on a course where he has won four times.
