Trump in talks to play round of golf during summer visit to UK
Donal d Tr ump may ex t e nd his visit to the UK this summer in order to play a round of golf in Scotland, according to reports.
The US president has scheduled a working visit to the UK in July, but it is understood the trip could also take in a visit to one of his two Scottish resorts.
Arrangements are still being ma d e f o r t h e t r i p , b u t o n e option under consideration involves setting aside time for Mr Trump to play a round with a leading figure in the sport.
The Scotsman revealed earlier this month how the US State Department paid more than £ 5,600 to Trump Turnberr y, which is owned by Mr Trump, to cover accommodation costs for a “VIP visit”.
A source at the S outh Ayrs h i r e h o t e l a n d g o l f c o u r s e s a i d t h a t t h e t r i p – w h i c h included members of the US Secret Service – was connect- ed with Mr Trump’s upcoming UK visit.
Mr Trump is due to make his first presidential visit to the UK after attending the Nato summit in Brussels on 11- 12 July.
The White House and Downing Street have confirmed he w i l l h o l d t a l k s w i t h P r i me Minister Theresa May the foll owing day, either at Downing Street or Chequers. Other details of the trip are still being worked out, but it is believed Mr Trump also wants to visit Scotland.
The p o s s i b i l i t y o f v i s i t i n g ei t her Trump Turnb err y or Tr u m p I n t e r n a t i o n a l G o l f Links in Aberdeenshire would offer global publicit y for his loss- making resorts, and persuade Mr Trump to remain in the UK for an extra day.
According to a newspap er repor t, government sources said Mr Trump wants to follow his talks with Mrs May by enjoying a round of golf with one of the sport’s leading figur e s . I t c l a i med t he Tr ump administration has made such a request to Downing Street and the Foreign Office.
Potential playing par t ners under consideration include Sir Nick Faldo, who has been employed by Mr Trump in the past as a golf course architect.
Rory Mcilroy, the four- time major championship winner, played with Mr Trump at his Trump International course in Florida last year. However, he has since admitted that the adverse publicity he received would put him off playing with the 71- year- old in the future.
Ms May wa s t h e f i r s t f o r - eign leader to visit Mr Trump in the White House following his inauguration in Januar y 2017. She conveyed an invitat i on f rom t he Queen f or Mr Trump to come to the UK on a state visit.
Al t hough he a c c e pt e d t he invitation, a date has yet to be set, amid sp eculation i t has been postponed indefinitely.