News Summary
A viral video showcasing Donald Trump on the golf course has revived scrutiny regarding his integrity and adherence to golf rules. Known for his ownership of multiple prestigious golf courses, Trump’s golfing behavior has often been called into question, with allegations of rule-bending and questionable claims about his achievements. This latest incident highlights a long-standing narrative surrounding his reputation in the golf community, prompting renewed discussions on his public persona and competitive spirit.
Miami, FL — Viral Video Sparks Renewed Attention on Donald Trump’s Golf Practices
A recent viral video has reignited longstanding questions about Donald Trump’s honesty on the golf course. The footage, circulating widely online, appears to show the former president engaging in questionable golf behavior, raising new discussions about his adherence to rules and the integrity of his play. While Trump’s history with golf spans decades, this latest incident focuses on a pattern of disputed claims and alleged rule-bending during his rounds at his numerous golf courses.
Trump’s Extensive Golf Portfolio and Public Persona
Donald Trump owns 18 golf courses worldwide, including properties under Trumpgolf.com. In the United States, his holdings encompass prominent locations such as Trump National Doral in Florida, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter. Known for their luxury and exclusivity, these courses have made Trump a prominent figure in the golf community, often blending his personal brand with the sport.
Throughout his public life, Trump has frequently been seen playing alongside, and sometimes publicly endorsing, well-known professional golfers. His relationships with figures like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau have been publicly noted, with some describing their interactions positively, yet sometimes with a cautious tone. Despite these friendships, Trump’s reputation at his own courses has often been marred by accusations of rule violations.
Historical Allegations and Public Controversies Surrounding Trump’s Golfing Conduct
Long before the recent viral video, Trump’s golf antics have been a subject of scrutiny. Rick Reilly’s 2019 book, “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” chronicles claims that Trump frequently bends the rules, such as “throwing” or “booting” the ball and sometimes moving it to gain an advantage. Reilly’s account paints a picture of a golfer who bends norms, sometimes excessively, in pursuit of victory.
Specific examples include Trump’s membership at Winged Foot Golf Club. There, caddies nicknamed him ‘Pele’ after witnessing him kick his ball onto the fairway—a move considered dubious by golf etiquette. Such stories have contributed to a perception that Trump’s golf achievements are often questioned.
Inconsistent Scoring and Tournament Claims
Trump has claimed numerous golf titles, asserting that he has won more than 18 club championships and even over 20, despite no formal verification. Notably, during the Senior Club Championship at Trump International West Palm Beach, he topped the leaderboard in the final round, despite not having played the initial round, by citing an earlier score as his own.
On social media, Trump celebrated this victory, describing it as a “great honor.” Such claims, coupled with reports of favorable playing conditions granted at charity events—where he played with professional golfers—have led to questions about the fairness and transparency of his golf record.
Conflict with Golf Organizations
Trump’s relations with professional golf organizations have been strained over the years. In 2016, the PGA Tour moved the World Golf Championship event from Trump’s Doral course to Mexico City, prompting sharp remarks from Trump, which were linked to broader political tensions. Later, in January 2021, following the assault on the Capitol by supporters, the PGA of America withdrew the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course.
Subsequently, Trump embraced the newer LIV Golf league, which has hosted tournaments at some of his courses, including the Trump National Doral Miami. This controversial circuit, seen as a rival to the PGA Tour, has benefited from the association, with some reports indicating increased revenue for Trump’s golf properties and heightened awareness for LIV Golf.
Personal Anecdotes and Controversies
Several anecdotes shed further light on Trump’s golfing habits. A former West Palm Beach club champion during Trump’s presidency recounted disputes with Trump over championship results, including Trump contesting victories due to his absence. Additionally, stories describe him attempting to claim misplayed balls of other players as his own during rounds at his courses, often on holes involving water hazards.
Despite these issues, some professional golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau have provided mixed assessments of Trump’s golfing capabilities, with both acknowledging his interest and competitiveness, but also emphasizing the informal and sometimes inconsistent nature of his play.
Recent Developments and Youth Achievements
In July 2025, Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, tied for third in a South Florida PGA event—her best finish, notably achieving the most birdies in the tournament. This event highlights a new generation of golfers close to Trump, contrasting with ongoing questions about his own record.
Moreover, reports indicate that Trump spends substantial time at his Florida residences, often attending LIV Golf tournaments held at his courses, like the Miami LIV Golf Tournament. The league’s partnership with his properties has appeared to bolster the revenue and profile of his golf business, blending sporting events and his personal enterprise.
Conclusion
The resurfacing of allegations regarding Donald Trump’s honesty and rule adherence in golf marks a continued chapter in public scrutiny of his sportsmanship. While Trump’s prominence and business ventures in golf remain significant, ongoing controversies and emerging footage suggest that debates over his conduct on the golf course will persist as part of his broader public narrative.
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Additional Resources
- Palm Beach Post: Kai Trump Golf Score
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- ABC News: Man Accused of Assassination Attempt on Trump
- Google Search: Donald Trump golf
- TCPalm: Golf Courses Owned by Trump
- Google Scholar: Donald Trump golf controversies
- Florida Politics: Trump and EU Talks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- CNN: Mar-a-Lago Trump Golf
- Google News: LIV Golf Trump
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