England captain Kane confirms Trump golf outing: ‘A pretty surreal experience’

England captain Harry Kane has confirmed that he played golf with former U.S. President Donald Trump roughly 18 months ago, describing the encounter as a “pretty surreal experience” and praising Trump’s skills on the fairway.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final clash against Norway in Miami on Saturday, Kane revealed that the impromptu match took place during the team’s previous training camp in Florida.

“Honestly, it was a great experience,” Kane told reporters. “We played about 18 months ago. He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and play golf with him – when the President invites you somewhere, it’s not something you turn down.”

The Bayern Munich striker, who is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in world football, was equally complimentary about Trump’s athletic ability. “I’ve got to say, he plays a pretty good game of golf,” Kane added with a smile. “I hope I’m playing as well as he is when I get to his age. It was a unique opportunity, and I’m very grateful that he took the time to invite me.”

Trump, 80, had previously teased the meeting earlier this week, posting on Truth Social that Kane was a “great player” before doubling down during a press gaggle at the White House. “I think Harry Kane is a great player. I played golf with him, and I really liked him. He’s a good golfer too, really good,” Trump told reporters.

The golf outing is understood to have taken place at Trump’s exclusive Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, where the England squad had been based for a warm-weather training camp prior to the tournament. While Kane remained coy on the final scoreline, he confirmed the pair enjoyed a relaxed round together away from the cameras.

Kane now turns his full attention to Saturday’s high-stakes knockout fixture, as the Three Lions look to secure a spot in the semi-finals. England fans will be hoping their captain’s putting stroke on the fairways translates into a clinical finish in front of goal against the Norwegian defense.