Rory faces backlash after playing golf with Trump

Donald Trump hit the links for the second straight week last Sunday, news that came as a surprise to the White House Press Pool. After Clear Sports tweeted this picture of its CEO alongside President Trump, World No. 3 Rory McIlroy and Yankees legend Paul O'Neill…

…NoLayingUp.com confirmed the news with Rory.

"He probably shot around 80. He's a decent player for a guy in his 70's!"

A Trump spokesperson confirmed the report itself a few hours later, saying he had originally only intended to play a few holes.

Because President Trump is a divisive figure among so many, that led to something of a social media backlash for Rory McIlroy. The responses were varied - many golf fans had no issue with Rory playing golf with the President - but there were a large number who did. A sampling of the negative comments:

Golf columnist Lawrence Donegan was especially vocal in a radio segment that day:

"The problem is that Rory is a beloved figure, probably the most beloved figure in his sport," he said.

"He is apparently appealing to a younger audience, he is very vocal about appealing to a younger audience. It basically reinforces old stereotypes."

"I literally can't believe that McIlroy has done this," he continued.

Piers Morgan was the highest-profile figure to come to his defense:

Interestingly, Rory McIlroy was asked about Trump about a year ago. His response:

"I'm not American … He's not going to be the leader of my country so it doesn't bother me…I can't vote and if I could I'm not sure I would for any of the candidates."