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McIlroy Skips Doral to Attend Trump Dinner for Royals

5/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rory McIlroy rearranged his schedule to attend a White House dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
He said traveling between Doral and Washington would prevent full focus on the PGA Championship.
He will play the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club after skipping the Trump National Doral event.
He tied for 19th at Quail Hollow, ten shots behind rookie Kristoffer Reitan of Norway.

History

Historical Context

President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1950s state dinners for foreign leaders, including British officials, continued a diplomatic tradition begun with President Ulysses S. Grant’s December 22 1874 dinner for Hawaiian King Kalakaua. The formal meals served as Cold-War tools to showcase U.S. hospitality, strengthen transatlantic ties, and set a precedent for later royal visits.

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Story summary

Rory McIlroy rearranged his schedule to attend a White House dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
He said traveling between Doral and Washington would prevent full focus on the PGA Championship.
He will play the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club after skipping the Trump National Doral event.
He tied for 19th at Quail Hollow, ten shots behind rookie Kristoffer Reitan of Norway.

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