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Golf legend Rory McIlroy and US President Donald Trump share a somewhat turbulent history. Despite the pair having played together in the past, the Northern Irish star has publicly distanced himself from the divisive commander-in-chief - even going as far as avoiding a round of golf with the 79-year-old for a remarkable eight years.

It appears, however, that time has smoothed over old tensions, as Trump made a surprise address to McIlroy at Tuesday's state dinner held in honour of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The world-renowned golfer attended as a guest of the president alongside his wife, Erica Stoll, when Trump offered his congratulations on McIlroy's recent Masters triumph.

"This unconquerable courage, it really is, it's unconquerable. Speaking of that, where's Rory McIlroy? Stand up Rory, will you please?" Trump said in apparent off-the-cuff remarks. "That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory.

"I don't know if that helps, talk about how wonderful in the speech, but I had to interrupt my speech, because I watched that man win a tournament, that was a tough one. Congratulations, very proud of you."

Relations between the two have not always been so warm, however, with McIlroy and Trump famously avoiding each other on the fairways for years. Back in 2017, McIlroy found himself having to justify his decision to play a round with the then newly elected President.

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Following their 18-hole round in Florida, McIlroy faced a fierce backlash across social media. He subsequently took to X to defend his actions while making clear his differences with the president. "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 the position or not, you respect the office that he holds."

McIlroy insisted the round was "not an endorsement, nor a political statement of any kind", adding: "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."

Back in 2020, the two-time Masters champion had even called into question Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, conceding he had not played golf with Trump for a considerable period.

"I haven't done it since... out of choice," McIlroy said. "So I will sit here and say that day I had with him I enjoyed," McIlroy said. "But that doesn't mean I agree with everything, or, in fact, anything that he says."

"There's some stuff that just is terrible. It's not the way a leader should act. There is a bit of diplomacy that you need to show, and I just don't think he's showing that, especially in these times."

Winding the clock forward to 2025, McIlroy sat down with Trump to discuss the stalled PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger talks as the pair took to the fairways once more. McIlroy spoke warmly of the president's powers of persuasion, appearing to adopt a markedly different stance compared to years gone by.

"It was really good. I thought we had a good discussion," McIlroy told AFP news agency. "I learned he's not a fan of the LIV format. I was like, 'But you've hosted their events'. He was like, 'Yeah, but it doesn't mean that I like it'. So I think he's on the [PGA] tour's side.

"There's a few things that he can do. He can be influential. He loves the game of golf ... I think whenever he says something they listen and I think that's a big thing."

McIlroy has not played since claiming the Masters title in early April, but is set to feature at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in early May. He will subsequently shift his focus to the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on the outskirts of Philadelphia.