The US president has scheduled a working visit to the UK in July, but it is understood the trip could also take in a visit to one of his two Scottish resorts.

Arrangements are still being made for the trip, but one option under consideration involves setting aside time for Mr Trump to play a round with a leading figure in the sport.

The Scotsman revealed earlier this month how the US State Department paid more than £5,600 to Trump Turnberry, which is owned by Mr Trump, to cover accommodation costs for a “VIP visit”.

President Trump is set to arrive in the UK for a working visit in July. Picture: John Devlin

A source at the South Ayrshire hotel and golf course said that the trip – which included members of the US Secret Service – was connected with Mr Trump’s upcoming UK visit.

Mr Trump is due to make his first presidential visit to the UK after attending the Nato summit in Brussels on 11-12 July.

The White House and Downing Street have confirmed he will hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May the following day, either at Downing Street or Chequers. Other details of the trip are still being worked out, but it is believed Mr Trump also wants to visit Scotland.

The possibility of visiting either Trump Turnberry or Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire would offer global publicity for his loss-making resorts, and persuade Mr Trump to remain in the UK for an extra day.

According to a newspaper report, government sources said Mr Trump wants to follow his talks with Mrs May by enjoying a round of golf with one of the sport’s leading figures. It claimed the Trump administration has made such a request to Downing Street and the Foreign Office.

Potential playing partners under consideration include Sir Nick Faldo, who has been employed by Mr Trump in the past as a golf course architect.

Rory McIlroy, the four-time major championship winner, played with Mr Trump at his Trump International course in Florida last year. However, he has since admitted that the adverse publicity he received would put him off playing with the 71-year-old in the future.

Ms May was the first foreign leader to visit Mr Trump in the White House following his inauguration in January 2017. She conveyed an invitation from the Queen for Mr Trump to come to the UK on a state visit.

Although he accepted the invitation, a date has yet to be set, amid speculation it has been postponed indefinitely.

Donald Trump may extend UK visit to play golf in Scotland