Grant Forrest thought a video call being lined up with Donald Trump was a wind-up, and said speaking to the US President after his tournament win was the most surreal experience of his career.
President Trump congratulated Forrest after the Scot claimed victory at the Nexo Championshipe at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire on Sunday, in a moment Forrest described as “bonkers”.
And the Scot told STV he’s not only been challenged to a game against the President in America, but has also been invited to the Oval Office.
Forrest celebrated his first tour title in four years when he finished four shots clear of the chasing pack, and was already savouring a special moment with a title triumph on home soil.
Celebrations turned to shock when he was asked to speak to the course owner, who famously loves his golf.
“I came off the 18th green, did my interviews and scorecard and lots of photos and stuff,” Forrest told STV.
“Then went into the clubhouse and they sort of shut off a wing and said “Yeah, there’s something else that they would like you to do.
“I was like, ‘surely not?’, you know. Sarah Malone, who’s in charge up there, she was next to me and she’s got President Trump as a contact on her phone. She presses FaceTime and I thought ‘This has got to be a wind up’.
“It wasn’t and he was standing there on on the tee at his golf course. Just bonkers, really.”
Forrest described “a heck of a few minutes” and doesn’t think he’ll experience anything comparable in the future.
“It was the most surreal experience, certainly in my golfing career. And I doubt anything will top that in terms of the wow factor. How many people get put on FaceTime to the US President.
“He was very complimentary. He loves his golf and is obviously very proud of his golf courses and they do an amazing job with every golf property they touch.
“It was a heck of a few minutes.”
Having spoken over the phone, Forrest could now meet Trump face to face after being invited to Washington and for a round.
“He’s told me to get on a plane and get over, but there was too much going on last night to even think about that,” Forrest said.
“If the offer’s still there at another point, then when he’s not too busy then absolutely.
“He also invited us to the Oval Office, which would be unreal but who knows? He’s a busy man.
“Maybe when he’s not too busy playing golf himself or doing presidential duties, but we’ll see.”
Forrest also took a moment to contemplate Trump’s offer of a game and how that might go.
“He’s won a few club championships, a fair few. I think even for his age, he still swings it pretty good.
“It depends on how many shots I have to give him.”
And how many shots does the Nexo Championship winner think he would have to give the President of the United States?
“Probably whatever the Secret Service tell me I need to give him.”
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