Rory McIlroy gave his honest verdict on Donald Trump’s golf ability after playing with the incumbent US president at the Trump International Golf Club in Florida.

Trump is a keen golfer, and has mixed it up with some of the biggest stars from all walks of life. Footballers Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney are among the big names, as well as the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Jack Nicklaus from the world of golf. He’s even played a round with Northern Irishman and two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy.

Given Trump’s long affinity with the sport, there’s no surprise that he has been praised for his ability on the course. McIlroy certainly saw this as he gave his thoughts on how good he actually is after their round together back in 2017.

Rory McIlroy Analyses Donald Trump’s Golf Ability

One of the many things that has become synonymous with Trump throughout his years in the spotlight is his affinity with golf. He owns several courses, and has even brought the passion into the world of politics. He’s been seen playing with other world leaders, while also remaining an owner of several locations.

McIlroy isn’t the only golfing legend to rub shoulders with Trump, as Jack Nicklaus has also talked about playing with him. When asked where Trump ranks compared to other presidents, he said: “Well, the ones I’ve played with, actually Trump is probably the best player.”

Bryson DeChambeau has even given his verdict on Trump’s ability before, after they played a round together for the American’s YouTube channel.

Similarly, McIlroy also had plenty of praise for Trump, as he said after their round together: “He probably shot around 80. He’s a decent player for a guy in his 70s.”

It seems evident that all the time on the course has been paying off for the US president, as McIlroy doesn’t talk up everybody’s ability.

Rory McIlroy Criticised For Playing With Donald Trump

Playing with Trump certainly divided opinions, but McIlroy affirmed that the interest in golf was the only thing that brought them together.

He said: “Golf was our common ground, nothing else. I’ve travelled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to befriend people from many different countries, beliefs, and cultures.”

Furthermore, he also responded to some of the political claims sent his way after the event, saying: “To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone’s company is just ridiculous.”

Pamela Smith via Imagn Images

In terms of a return to professional golf for the Northern Irishman, he is still dealing with an injury. Since January, McIlroy has been dealing with a stress fracture in his ribs, which occurred during the BMW SA Open.

He is still eyeing a return to competition at the WGC-Mexico Championship, which occurs next week. Mcllroy has also said, however, that he isn’t looking to rush anything, and potentially run the risk of aggravating the problem.

Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal are eyeing a move to sign Chelsea star Pedro Neto this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.

The Blues have seen a major squad transformation this summer with ten new arrivals for new manager Xabi Alonso, with Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Pep Chevarria, Danny Welbeck, Jordan, Henderson, Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, and Valentin Barco all joining.

The club are now expected to see players depart before the transfer window closes on September 1st, and a number of their top stars are understood to be attracting interest in the final weeks, including the Portugal international.

GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Al Hilal are showing an interest in Neto as they look to strengthen their attack further, having already signed Crysencio Summerville from West Ham earlier in the window for around £68m.

As of Monday morning (August 17), GIVEMESPORT understands that Chelsea have not received a formal bid for the winger from Al Hilal or anyone else. The west London club have also now put a £100m valuation on the 26-year-old, with Neto having a contract at Stamford Bridge that runs until 2031.

Neto has been a regular for Chelsea since joining from Wolves in 2024, racking up an impressive 103 appearances over three seasons, scoring 19 times. He is also expected to be part of Alonso’s squad this season should he stay, having featured during pre-season since returning from the World Cup.

In the 2025/26 season, Neto played 34 times in the Premier League, and it’s understood that Man City are also showing an interest in the winger, with former boss Enzo Maresca known to be a huge fan.

Chelsea Don’t Need to Sell

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Chelsea may have a bloated squad heading into the final weeks of the window, but Neto is a player who has proven his worth at the highest level.

He’s been picked regularly by several different managers, with Liam Rosenior even describing him as ‘world-class’ during the most recent campaign.

‘Pedro Neto brings us so many different qualities that we need,” he said.

Alongside Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Estevao, and Quenda, Chelsea have an abundance of quality options in attack if they keep Neto in the squad, but a major offer could be enough to convince them to do business before the deadline.

Jeff Bezos is now inextricably linked with Premier League club Liverpool, after it was officially confirmed that a consortium including the Amazon founder has agreed a deal to acquire roughly a third of the Merseyside outfit, as Fenway Sports Group’s ownership is set to shrink for the first time since 2010.

The news of the Bezos-backed investment follows weeks of reports and speculation that the billionaire was exploring a route into English football, which generated plenty of commentary, including some that emanated from the British political sphere.

Here, GIVEMESPORT takes a look at what is happening, what it means for Liverpool and how it works.

Is Jeff Bezos Buying Liverpool?

REUTERS/Phil Noble

A consortium including Bezos has agreed to buy a significant stake in Liverpool worth one third (33%), whilst FSG will remain majority owners. The news was officially announced via Liverpool’s website under the banner of ‘strategic minority investment’ on Friday August 14, 2026.

The group is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, and also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

Liverpool’s statement explained: “The strategic investment supports Liverpool FC’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology and investment.

“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch. FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool FC.”

Bezos has a pattern of exploring sports ownership without following through, as he reportedly looked at both the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders in past years before walking away from each deal. However, he is now committed to the Liverpool investment.

The news of the sale comes at a time when Liverpool enters a period of transition following the departure of forward Mohamed Salah and manager Arne Slot, having won the Premier League in 2025.

What is 1892 Holdings?

1892 Holdings is the name of the consortium behind the investment in Liverpool and it is led by British-Indian business entrepreneur Amit Bhatia, who will become Liverpool’s new vice-chairman.

Investments within the consortium come from Bhatia and the Mittal Family Trusts (the Mittal family are successful steel tycoons).

Bezos’ involvement comes through K5 Sports (part of the K5 Global investment group), with the Amazon founder being K5 Sports’ lead investor.

Further investment will come via EE Capital, which is described in Liverpool’s statement as “the family office” of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.

The name ‘1892 Holdings’ is a nod to the year that Liverpool Football Club was founded.

How Much Money Could Be Involved?

Adrian Dennis/Pool via REUTERS

The figures being reported are eye-watering even by modern football standards. The consortium’s investment reportedly values the club at around $5.9 billion (£4.3bn), which would rank among the largest football club valuations ever recorded. A one-third stake at that valuation would put the transaction in the region of $1.9 billion (£1.4bn).

Placed against the rest of the Premier League’s recent ownership curn, the figure still stands out compared to other recent sales. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS paid roughly $1.6 billion for a 28% stake in Manchester United in 2024, implying a valuation near $6 billion. Chelsea’s 2002 forced sale to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital went for £2.5 billion, plus a pledged £1.75 billion in further investment. Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover cost roughly £305 million for an 85% stake.

Beyond football, the figure sits comfortably alongside recent US sports sales: the Denver Broncos went for a then-record $4.65 billion in 2022, while Bezos himself once walked away from a Washington Commanders bid pegged at around $6 billion. He’s long been seen as a natural buyer for a major franchise given his massive fortune.

Data from Forbes’ 2026 Soccer Valuations

What is Involved in These Deals?

A “stake sale” like this is fairly simple; it’s not new money going into Liverpool’s bank account for transfers or infrastructure. It’s a purchase of part of FSG’s existing ownership, meaning FSG gets a payout and hands over a portion of control, whilst day-to-day running of the club stays largely as it is, at least initially.

FSG, led by John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, has been the controlling shareholder since 2010, backed by minority investors including RedBird Capital Partners and Dynasty Equity, plus LeBron James’ small personal stake, going all the way back to 2011.

A Bezos-backed consortium buying roughly a third of the club would become one of the largest voices in that ownership structure without necessarily taking day-to-day control, similar in spirit to how Ratcliffe’s minority stake still handed him command of football operations at Manchester United.