As if the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the U.K was not tricky enough for diplomats, an even thornier issue has now emerged - who will join him on the golf course?
British government officials have confirmed that Trump will extend his visit in July by a day to play his beloved game and they are now looking at prospective players for him to tee off with.
The Telegraph reported earlier this month that he was planning to play with Prince Andrew, at Turnberry in Ayrshire, Scotland, which Trump owns.
The Duke of York is an accomplished player of nearly 40 years' experience and has a single-figure handicap.
+Trump's predecessor Barack Obama had to make do with the U.K.'s then-Prime Minister David Cameron on the green in 2011. However, The Times reported on Tuesday that Trump wants to play with a professional player and that Downing Street was looking for someone of sufficient stature.
In the frame is four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who played with Trump at his course in Florida in 2017, although he did admit the bad publicity this incurred might preclude him from doing it again.
A more likely option would be the three-time Open winner Sir Nick Faldo, who has helped design golf courses for Trump.
Europe's Ryder Cup vice-captain, Padraig Harrington has said that he would play with Trump, but he is from Ireland and it would need the political intervention from across the Irish Sea. He told RTE in January: "I can guarantee if the government of Ireland asked me to do something, I would do it".
While not the formal state visit initially offered to Trump, it is understood that he will arrive in the UK on July 12 for a dinner after the Nato summit in Brussels. He will reportedly meet the Queen the next day and then the British Prime Minister Theresa May.
A visit to the new U.S. Embassy in South London, which he has described as "lousy" is not thought to be on the cards.
Trump's visit faces widespread opposition, with British MPs urging that he should not be allowed to address parliament. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has previously said Trump was not welcome in the capital, has called for any protests to be peaceful.
Uncommon Knowledge
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About the writer
Brendan Cole is a Newsweek Senior News Reporter based in London, UK. His focus is Russia and Ukraine, in particular ... Read more
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