Earlier this year, pro golfer Rory McIlroy shared a round with President Donald Trump at Trump International in Florida. The backlash was swift and sobering; according to Business Insider, with detractors calling him a “fascist” and a “bigot.”
The outraged forced the former No. 1 ranked player in the sport defended his actions to the media.
However, now it seems as though McIlroy has changed his tune. According to CNN, McIlroy told press gathered Tuesday at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where he’s set to compete in the Masters week, that “After the sort of backlash I received, I’d think twice about it.”
Of course, McIlroy did reiterate what he saw as a harmless game before making those remarks. “I mean, there was not one bit of politics discussed in that round of golf. He was more interested talking about the grass that he just put on the greens,” he said.
McIlroy hails from Northern Ireland, and is currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
Below, watch an amicable (if not slightly awkward) exchange by Trump and McIlroy at the 2015 World Golf Championships. Trump was returning the golfer’s 3-iron he’d pitched into the water on the 8th hole.
—RealClearLife
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
