CANBERRA, Australia (AP) – 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 U.S.-based Australian golfer confirmed he gave Trump’s number to Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., Joe Hockey, after the election.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to facilitate the connection between P.M. 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.