2016 US election: Greg Norman tee’d up Trump call

EXCLUSIVE: Malcolm Turnbull was the second world leader to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump — after golfing legend Greg Norman passed on his private ­mobile number.

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PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull was the second world leader to congratulate US President-elect Donald Trump after golfing legend Greg Norman passed on his private ­mobile number and helped ­facilitate the phone call.

Within hours of Mr Trump’s shock win, Australia’s US ambassador Joe Hockey had contacted The Shark asking him for the Republican president-elect’s mobile number for Mr Turnbull.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull talking on the telephone to US President-elect Donald Trump in his office in Canberra..

Norman, who has been friends with Mr Trump for a decade and has played golf with him many times, obliged and helped facilitate the call between the two world leaders.

The morning after Mr Trump addressed the American public declaring victory, Mr Turnbull phoned the former reality TV star and property tycoon from Parliament House in Canberra to congratulate him on his remarkable election win.

I have spoken to the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, and he is onboard with wanting to see President-elect Donald Trump succeed’ - GREG NORMAN

Their 15-minute phone call, which Mr Turnbull described as “very warm, constructive and practical’’, covered the fight against Islamic State, ­security in the Asia-Pacific ­region and trade.

Such a call would usually be facilitated by the Department of Foreign ­Affairs and Trade or through White House advisers.

Donald Trump and Greg Norman, who provided the President-elect’s number to Malcolm Turnbull

Greg Norman and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull share a social media selfie. Picture: Supplied

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While Norman’s intervention meant Mr Turnbull was the second world leader to speak to Mr Trump, his office was already in contact with Mr Trump’s transition team through officials in the Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop’s office and DFAT.

Unlike other leaders around the world, Mr Turnbull had made a decision not to ­ignore Mr Trump in favour of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Mr Trump during the campaign trail. Picture: AP

Norman has spoken to Mr Trump numerous times since his election win and has also urged Mr Turnbull to get ­behind his friend, aware that foreign policy will be a “tricky” area for the new president.

“I will say that I have spoken to the Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, and he is on-board with wanting to see President-elect Trump succeed,” Norman wrote in an article published yesterday in Newsweek.

Greg Norman’s social media post of his dinner with the PM and Joe Hockey’s Washington home.

“Only time will tell, but I am optimistic and feel that it is an interesting and exciting time to be in America.”

Mr Turnbull knew of Norman’s close friendship with Mr Trump after dining with the golfing great at Mr Hockey’s residence in Washington during the election campaign on September 23.

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Their amicable dinner was recorded by Norman in an ­Instagram post where he said it was a “great honour” to dine with the Prime Minister. The photograph attracted shout-outs from supermodel Elle Macpherson and cricketer David Warner.

Joe Hockey’s residence in Washington where PM Malcolm Turnbull dined with golfing great Greg Norman.

Mr Turnbull said the Australian government has not “taken sides” in the US election.

“One of the great things Joe (Hockey) has done, and indeed our government has done, is made sure that we stayed in touch with both sides in the election campaign, so that we — you know, whatever the ­result, whatever choice the American people made — we were able to get off to a good start with the new administration and as you know, I’ve ­already had a good chat with the President-elect and I’m sure the very strong relationship between Australia and America will continue,” he said in a radio interview.

Mr Trump has been friends with golfer Greg Norman for some time. Picture: AFP

Mr Trump will be sworn in early next year. Picture: AP

Norman is also friendly with the Clintons and has played golf with former president Bill Clinton, who famously injured his knee in 1997 while teeing off with the golfer at his Florida home.

Amid concerns at how the Australian alliance with the US will fare under the new presidential regime, the ties between the Turnbull and Trump governments are likely to strengthen with the presumed appointment of former Goldman Sachs partner Steven Mnuchin to the position of Treasury Secretary. Mr Turnbull is acquainted with Mr Mnuchin, a connection that was forged through Goldman Sachs where Mr Turnbull was Australian managing director, chairman and partner between 1997 and 2001.

Former US President takes advice from professional golfer Greg Norman in 1996.

Hillary Clinton visiting former President Bill Clinton in hospital after he underwent surgery after tearing tendon in knee after slipping on stairs at Greg Norman’s home.

Along with Norman, several other high-profile Australians have developed strong ties with Mr Trump through the business community, ­including Solomon Lew and Anthony Pratt.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key had still not spoken to Mr Trump six days after his victory, having missed a phone call from him on Monday.