Rory McIlroy defends golf round with Donald Trump: ‘To be called a fascist and bigot is ridiculous’

The four-time major champion faced a backlash on social media after being pictured alongside Trump - as well as Clear Sports CEO Garry Singer and former Yankees right fielder Paul O'Neill – before going onto play four-ball with the US President.

McIlroy took to Twitter on Friday night to hit back at criticism, calling claims that he is a fascist or a bigot as “ridiculous”.

“I don’t agree with everything my friends or family say or do, but I still play golf with them,” McIlroy said.

“Last week I was invited to play golf with the President of the United States. Whether you respect the person who holds the position or not, you respect the office that he holds.

“This wasn’t an endorsement nor a political statement of any kind. It was, quite simply, a round of golf. Golf was our common ground, nothing else.

“To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone’s company is ridiculous.”

McIlroy said at the time: "He [Trump] probably shot around 80. He’s a decent player for a guy in his 70s."

The Northern Irishman is hoping to make his comeback from injury at the WGC-Mexico Championship in Mexico, having last played at the South African Open last month.