Rory McIlroy praises Donald Trump's golf after round with the US president

Donald Trump speaks with Rory McIlroy during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course in March 2016 - 2016 Getty Images
Donald Trump speaks with Rory McIlroy during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course in March 2016 - 2016 Getty Images

Rory McIlroy has been pictured enjoying a round of golf with United States president Donald Trump as the Northern Irish golfer continues his recovery from a rib injury.

McIlroy told No Laying Up that, although his return to fitness is going well, he had not intended to play any golf until at least a week later — but had to make an exception for President Trump.

The four-time major winner said of Trump: "He probably shot around 80. He’s a decent player for a guy in his seventies!"

McIlroy accompanied Trump around the whole course at Trump International in Balmedie, Aberdeen on Sunday, and clarified that he plans to return to action himself at the WGC-Mexico Championship in March.

The two played a four-ball, joined by International Sports Management's Nick Mullen and Trump's friend, Rich Levine.

Donald and Rory's association began in 2015, when Trump fished up the 3-iron club that McIlroy had thrown in a lake at Doral during the WGC-Cadillac Championship. They met again at the same course, owned by Trump, at last year's edition.

The US president owns 17 golf courses worldwide, including Turnberry in Scotland - a course on the roster of potential Open Championship hosts - and has been spotted golfing with Ernie Els and Tiger Woods since his election in November.

McIlroy has previously been reticent in his opinions about the US president, saying prior to the election, in March 2016: "Look, I can’t vote. And if I were to vote, I’m not sure I would want to vote for any of the candidates.

"He [Trump] is not going to be the leader of my country. It really doesn’t bother me too much."