Padraig Harrington defends Rory McIlroy's recent round with Donald Trump

Padraig Harrington has become the latest golfer to defend Rory McIlroy's recent round of golf with Donald Trump.

Ahead of his return to the PGA Tour today, McIlroy came in for criticism for accepting the invitation to play with the US President.

However, Harrington said the world number three was merely being polite.

“Look, he is the president of the United States and every person respects that position. So if you were asked, of course you would go out and respect it.”

At a press conference yesterday McIlroy said: "I was just doing what I felt was respectful.

“The President of the United States phones you up and wants to play golf with you, I wasn't going to say no.

The Holywood will be hoping to put the controversy behind him when he tees off at 5.35pm in the first round of the WGC Mexico Championship.