Donald Trump says he’d like to visit Melbourne for Presidents Cup golf tournament

US President Donald Trump could be heading to Melbourne this year but diplomacy would be the last thing on his mind. Here’s what the president’s entourage would look like if he made the trip.

A visit to Melbourne by US President Donald Trump would require one of the biggest security operations the city has ever seen.

Mr Trump said during G20 talks in Osaka he would be interested in coming to Royal Melbourne in Black Rock for the Presidents Cup golf event in December.

The event, held every two years between teams of golfers from the US and the rest of the world bar Europe, will head to Melbourne for the third time.

“I’ll tell you what: I’d like to,” Mr Trump said of a trip to the Melbourne fairways.

“It might not be easy, but I’d like to. That’s a big deal. That’s going to be great.”

Donald Trump speaks during a working dinner with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison at dinner with US President Donald Trump and others at the Imperial Hotel in Osaka on June 27, 2019. Picture: AFP

A co-ordinated security operation involving Victoria Police, national security agencies and the presidential security detail would kick into gear to protect the controversial president and handle protests.

Parts of the city would be shut down, roads would be closed and traffic light sequences altered to accommodate the presidential cavalcade.

Mr Trump’s entourage would include his security staff, support personnel and a cargo jet which could deliver The Beast, his $1.2 million custom-made armoured limousine, on to Melbourne streets.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Mr Trump had a standing invitation to visit Australia, which he said was “a reasonable chance”.

“He is obviously a passionate follower of the sport and the tournament is actually named after the president, so I think it would be great for Melbourne and it would be great for the tournament,” he said. “We have certainly issued that invitation for him to join us for what should be a great time.”

US President Donald Trump praised Scott Morrison for his election victory at a working dinner ahead of the official start of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan. Picture: AAP Image

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets with President Trump for the G20 in Osaka, Japan on June 27, 2019. Picture: Adam Taylor

The PM said Mr Trump had an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the game and was capable of joining the commentary team.

Security at the Cheltenham Rd course would also be scaled up. Tournament organisers have already invited Mr Trump and former presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton.

MORE NEWS: FACEBOOK CHAT AT RISK AFTER COURT VERDICT

HOW HITMAN TRACED CARL TO GANGLAND MURDER

MOMENT HOT-AIR BALLOON CAUGHT FIRE

“As has been customary with past Presidents Cup events, all past honorary chairpersons will be invited to attend the 2019 event,’’ US PGA spokesman Chris Reimer said in April.

Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Marlene Kairouz said about 130,000 fans would attend on-course as well as thousands more at a Southbank live site.

“Should President Trump come to Melbourne in December, he will be afforded every courtesy,” Ms Kairouz said.

@IanRoyall

[e-mail]

Originally published as Donald Trump says he’d like to visit Melbourne for Presidents Cup golf tournament