Rory McIlroy taken aback by backlash after golf game with Donald Trump

Rory McIlroy and Donald Trump

Rory McIlroy admits he did not expect the backlash he received for his round of golf with United States President Donald Trump. The Northern Irishman had posted a statement on Twitter defending his decision and claimed he had been branded ‘a fascist and a bigot' for associating with the 45th President of the USA, who divides opinion in his homeland.

"I was a little bit taken aback by the blowback I received but I get why. I was just doing what I felt was respectful. The President of the United States phones you up and wants to play golf with you, I wasn't going to say no," McIlroy said.