Even in a room with King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Rory McIlroy was the one President Donald Trump stopped his speech for.
The two-time defending Masters champion was among the guests at the White House state dinner April 28 during King Charles III state visit to Washington when Trump interrupted his own prepared remarks to single him out.
“The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share,” Trump said. “Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up Rory, will you please? That was unconquerable courage. I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament. That was a tough on. Congratulations, very proud of you.”
McIlroy, 36, won his second straight Masters earlier in the month at Augusta National, edging Scottie Scheffler by one shot to become just the fourth player in history to win back-to-back green jackets. He now has six major championships.
President Trump praises Masters champion Rory McIlroy in toast at White House state dinner: "That was unconquerable courage. That was very good, Rory." pic.twitter.com/kQGkcLp3Bl
Trump had already praised McIlroy on Truth Social after the Masters win, calling him “more and more a LEGENDY” with each passing year.
McIlroy, who had been critical of Trump’s handling of the COVID crisis in 2020, has played golf with the president several times. After a round in 2025, McIlroy said the two had a “good discussion” regarding the PGA and its rival LIV Golf.
Despite the warm reception from Trump, McIlroy is skipping this weekend’s Cadillac Championship Tournament at Trump National Doral. The tournament is the first PGA event in a decade to be played on that course.
McIlroy was a guest at the state dinner with his wife Erica.
Rory McIlroy closed out the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National with a final‑round performance that secured victory on Sunday.
These images tracked McIlroy through the final round as he finished on top of the leaderboard at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland played his shot from the seventh tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
1 / 38Rory McIlroy earns a second green jacket at the 2026 MastersRory McIlroy closed out the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National with a final‑round performance that secured victory on Sunday.
These images tracked McIlroy through the final round as he finished on top of the leaderboard at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland played his shot from the seventh tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
Rory McIlroy closed out the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National with a final‑round performance that secured victory on Sunday.
These images tracked McIlroy through the final round as he finished on top of the leaderboard at the Masters.
Above, Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland played his shot from the seventh tee during the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump praises Rory McIlroy at state dinner with King Charles