US President Donald Trump interrupted his prepared remarks at a state dinner honouring King Charles III and Queen Camilla to praise Rory McIlroy, who was a surprise guest at the event. The Masters champion was asked to stand as Trump spoke of 'unconquerable courage' in reference to McIlroy's back-to-back victory at Augusta earlier this month.
Trump said: 'Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Stand up Rory, will you please? 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.'
McIlroy became only the fourth man to win consecutive Masters titles, joining Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods. However, the Northern Irishman has decided to skip next week's Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral, the second £16 million Signature Event he has missed this season.
Trump had previously congratulated McIlroy on Truth Social, writing: 'Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure. I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral.'
Padraig Harrington praised McIlroy's mental strength, saying: 'As regards to Masters, Rory could win 10 of them at this stage. He has a very rounded game and a game that looks like it has a lot of longevity.'
