Donald Trump’s reported 15-minute Presidents Cup speech takes unexpected turn

Donald Trump’s much-anticipated speech at the Presidents Cup turned out to be considerably shorter than expected, with the U.S. President speaking for just 27 seconds before Sunday’s singles got underway at Medinah Country Club.

Trump was invited to say a few words by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp before the final day’s action, after Golfweek had reported that the President had wanted to deliver a speech lasting around 15 minutes.

That never materialised.

Instead, Trump addressed thousands of fans gathered around the first tee before quickly handing the focus back to the golf.

"Thanks very much, you know the fake news media will say I got a very bad reception," Trump joked as he opened his remarks.

"America is doing great," he continued.

Trump then explained why he would keep his comments brief.

"Brian said could you make a short speech, and I said I don't have the courage to make a speech, these people want to see golf, they don't want to hear speeches."

He added: "I will only say this... our country is doing great, better than ever before."

Trump was met by cheers from the American fans before concluding:

"Now, I want to watch the greatest players in the world go out and play and play their hearts out, it's going to be a very interesting day of golf, thank you all everybody, I love you all."

Watch Trump's speech here:

Trump was attending the Presidents Cup in his role as Honorary Chairman, having accepted the position for a second time after previously holding the role in 2017.

His appearance had been widely anticipated, particularly with the International Team taking a historic three-point lead into the final day.

Geoff Ogilvy's Internationals led Brandt Snedeker's United States 10.5-7.5 heading into the 12 singles matches, with the Internationals looking for only their second Presidents Cup victory after their sole previous triumph came in 1998.

The Americans, meanwhile, were attempting to continue their dominance of the competition after winning the previous 10 editions.

Keep up to speed with live updates from the final day's action at the Presidents Cup

Two-time U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark had welcomed Trump's planned appearance earlier in the week, saying it was something he could never have imagined experiencing as a child.

In the end, however, Trump's involvement before the singles was considerably shorter than expected.

The reported 15-minute speech became a 27-second address, with the President making his comments before leaving the players to battle it out for the Presidents Cup.