Rory McIlroy hailed by Donald Trump during State Dinner as King Charles watches on

Lewis Henderson
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:54:08 +0000

Rory McIlroy has been hailed by Donald Trump in front of King Charles and Queen Camilla during the State Dinner, as the US President praised his Masters success.

The grand slam champion sat with his wife, Erica Stroll, as they joined other A-list guests at the White House.

McIlroy, 36, was invited to the prestigious event just a few weeks after claiming his second green jacket, making it back-to-back wins at Augusta National.

The golfer has kept a low-profile since beating American Scottie Scheffler, but could not avoid the spotlight in front of the President.

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Interrupting his speech, 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.

"And speaking of that, where is Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up? Rory, will you please?

"That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory."

Following a round of applause, the President continued: "I don't know if that helps them talk about how wonderful this speech, but I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was, that was a tough, that was a tough one.

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"Congratulations. Very proud of you. That was very good. Rory.

"I don't know if that helps them talk about how wonderful this speech is, but I had to interrupt."

Trump praised the Masters champion on social media following his win, with the Northern Irishman becoming the first player to win back-to-back Masters since Tiger Woods.

On his Truth Social, the President wrote: "Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters!

"He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing.

"With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a legend! I look forward to watching him compete in two weeks at Doral.

"The quality of Professional Golfers today has become extraordinary, each and every one of them.

"They should all be proud of the way they played at The Masters this weekend!"

McIlroy has decided to sit out next week's Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral, making it the second £16million Signature Event in a row that the Northern Irishman has chosen to miss this season.

It's a bold move from golf's most recognisable face, particularly given his incredible recent form.

Xander Schauffele, Bob MacIntyre, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick are all expected to skip the event as well.