South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is revisiting his golf game—after an eight-year break—in anticipation of a round with President-elect Donald Trump.

The South Korean presidential office said Tuesday that Yoon has been actively practicing the sport.

Yoon will be aiming to cultivate a rapport with the incoming president, as South Korea faces possible shifts in American foreign policy.

‘America First’ Policy

Trump, known for his enthusiasm for golf, has raised concerns in South Korea with his “America First” stance, which could potentially weaken the U.S. defense commitment and impose higher trade tariffs on South Korean exports.

Trump has proposed imposing tariffs between 10 percent and 20 percent on imported goods.

He said the tariffs would force companies to build more factories in the U.S., which would in turn boost jobs.

However, economic experts told Newsweek that tariffs would lead to higher prices for American consumers.

Trump and Yoon Plan to Meet

Experts suggest that forging a personal connection may be one strategy for Yoon to mitigate any adverse policy changes.

“Much could depend on whether Yoon is able to strike up positive chemistry with Trump immediately during the transition and foster a close personal friendship to convince him to want to support and advance Seoul’s interests,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington.

The two leaders recently discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in a phone call and agreed to an in-person meeting.

While Yoon acknowledged that things are likely to change under Trump, he assured South Korean reporters that contingency plans have long been in place to address potential risks.

Shinzo Abe Played Golf With Trump

Yoon isn’t the first Asian leader to use golf as a bridge to Trump.

Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formed a friendship with Trump on the golf course, playing together in both Japan and the U.S. in 2017.

Abe noted that the relaxed setting of a golf game helped facilitate open discussions on pressing matters.

Local media said Yoon went to a Seoul golf course on Saturday, but the presidential office said it couldn’t confirm the reports.

A senior presidential official, speaking on condition of anonymity in a background briefing, said that while he didn’t know how hard Yoon practiced golf, training was necessary as “our president also has to hit a ball properly to get conversations going on” with Trump, who has “outstanding” golf skills.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press