Rory McIlroy has defended his decision to play golf with US President Donald Trump, saying the criticism levelled at him for it is unfair.
Trump is a keen golf fan and owns several courses around the world, and McIlroy accepted an offer to join him on the fairways at Trump International in Florida last weekend.
McIlroy has defended his actions on Twitter after he claimed he was called a "fascist and a bigot" because he had accepted the invitation.
"I don't agree with everything my friends or family say or do, but I still play golf with them," he wrote.
"Last week I was invited to play golf with the President of the United States.
Whether you respect the person who holds that position or not, you respect the office that he holds.
"That wasn't an endorsement or a political statement of any kind. it was, quite simply, a round of golf. 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.
"To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone's company is just ridiculous. I hope, to some degree, this clarifies my decision to accept the invitation that was extended to me."
In an earlier interview with The Guardian, McIlroy said he followed the US election closely.
"I really got into it once Trump ran because I knew him a little bit but at the same time I was intrigued how a successful businessman could transition into running for the highest office in the land," the 27-year-old said.
"If there was a live (political) debate, I would get room service, stick on CNN and just watch. It was pure entertainment, even if you didn't understand politics it was this complete phenomenon."
PA
