Australia didn’t have Trump’s phone number, so his famous golfing buddy helped out

Malcolm Turnbull was the second world leader to call to congratulate the US President-elect, but couldn’t explain why he didn’t have a contact number in the first place

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Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull talks on the phone to US President-elect Donald Trump. Photo: AFP

Published: 1:54pm, 17 Nov 2016Updated: 1:54pm, 17 Nov 2016

Australia’s prime minister beat other world leaders to an early call with President-elect Donald Trump by getting his cellphone number from Greg Norman, the golfing great said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said last week he had a warm and “very frank” 15-minute discussion with Trump within hours of the Republican nominee claiming victory in the presidential election.

The US-based Australian golfer confirmed he gave Trump’s number to Australia’s ambassador to the US, Joe Hockey, after the election.

“It was a pleasure and an honour to facilitate the connection between PM Turnbull and President-elect Trump at the request of Ambassador Hockey,” Norman said in a statement.

“I have great respect for both men who have been voted in by the people of their respective countries and I am fortunate enough to call Mr Trump a friend, so I was happy to put them in touch to further the incredible long-standing relationship the two countries have experienced,” he said.

Donald Trump tees off. Golfer Greg Norman said he was fortunate enough to ‘call Mr. Trump a friend’. File photo: The Washington Post