Donald Trump was publicly heckled during his speech as honorary chairman at the Presidents Cup at Medinah, with one spectator shouting "you suck" from the grandstands. The US president received a mixed response from those in attendance, being both booed and cheered at the club in a suburb northwest of Chicago, Illinois.
Reception at Medinah
Trump spoke barely 24 hours after also being booed at a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. He made the nearly 500-mile journey in time for Sunday's final day of play, only to receive an equally lukewarm reception from some golf fans.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp introduced Trump, who replied: "Thank you very much. You know the fake news media will say I got a very bad reception, but we got a very good reception, they love what we're doin..."
Then, one fan bellowed from high up in the grandstands: "You suck!" Trump, seemingly unbothered and well-accustomed to such hostility, pressed on regardless.
Short speech despite rumours
"Brian said, 'Could you make a short speech?' And I said, 'No, I don't have the courage to make a speech. These people want to see golf; they don't want to hear speeches.' I'll only say this: Our country is doing great, better than ever before.
"And now, I want to watch the greatest players in the world go out and play, and play their hearts out. It's going to be a very interesting day of golf. Thank you, everybody. Thank you, I love you all. Thank you very much."
Chants of 'USA' erupted throughout the stands. The president remained at the first tee box to welcome several players, including world number one Scottie Scheffler, before their scheduled tee time. His address lasted barely 45 seconds, despite rumours suggesting he had requested to deliver a 15-minute speech on the first tee.
Previous golf appearances
This is far from Trump's first golfing appearance this year, as he was recently spotted at Doonbeg, Ireland, where Shane Lowry secured his first individual victory in four years. Trump commanded much of the spotlight, as his helicopters flew at low altitude over Trump International, creating something of a disruption during the tournament.
