Donald Trump interrupted his own speech to praise Rory McIlroy during a White House dinner on Wednesday evening.

McIlroy was in attendance at a banquet, which took place just days after a gunman was caught at the White House, for the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who are currently on a state visit.

McIlroy recently became the fourth man to retain The Masters, doing so after a one-shot victory at Augusta, Georgia, bringing his Major Championship tally to six, equalling Sir Nick Faldo on the all-time European major winners list.

Rory McIlroy
Pic: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

‘The entire world has been uplifted by this distinct and special character we share,’ Trump said during his speech. ‘This unstoppable daring, this unconquerable courage. It really is, it’s unconquerable.’

Trump, an avid golf fan, then decided to use his speech during the dinner to congratulate and praise McIlroy for his victory last month.

‘Speaking of that, where’s Rory McIlroy? Can you stand up, Rory, will you, please? That was unconquerable courage. That was very good Rory. I don’t know if that helps him talking about how wonderful the speech… but I had to interrupt my speech because I watched that man win a tournament that was a tough one.

Rory McIlroy at the State Dinner for King Charles III and Queen Camilla, at the White House in Washington DC. Pic: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

‘Congratulations, very proud of you.’

McIlroy is yet to return to play since winning at Augusta, foregoing the RBC Heritage and Zurich Classic and is set to miss The Cadillac Classic as well in Trump National Doral in Florida.

However, McIlroy is slated to take part in the Truist Classic next week at Quail Hollow ahead of the second major of the year, the PGA Championship, taking place in mid-May at the Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.