When McIlroy becomes a Trump asset, it matters

Trump could do with some help from a major sports star these days, writes Kieran Shannon

Photo credit: Rory McIlroy with US president Donald Trump, former New York Yankees baseball player Paul O’Neill (on right) and Clear Sports CEO Garry Singer (on left) at the Trump International last weekend. McIlroy has allowed himself to be exploited and politicised, believes Kieran Shannon. Picture: ClearSports Twitter

Last autumn, back in those now almost dreamlike Sorkinian days when an articulate, stately person occupied the West Wing and Donald Trump’s presidency was merely a remote possibility instead of a frightening reality, the then Republican candidate characteristically revised his position on a previous statement.