News Summary
A viral video allegedly shows Donald Trump cheating during a golf game, reigniting scrutiny over his history in the sport. With a portfolio of golf courses and previous allegations of bending rules, this recent incident adds fuel to the ongoing conversation about Trump’s competitiveness and integrity on the golf course. Incidents from his past, along with comments from professional golfers, continue to shape public perceptions of his golf acumen.
Miami, FL — Viral Video and Old Allegations Bring New Attention to Donald Trump’s Golf Record
In July 2025, a video surfaced on social media showing Donald Trump allegedly cheating during a golf game, igniting renewed scrutiny over his longstanding reputation in the sport. The footage quickly went viral, prompting widespread discussion about Trump’s behavior on the golf course and his history with the game. This recent controversy adds to an extensive record of claims and anecdotes questioning the integrity of Trump’s golf playing style.
Trump’s Deep Roots in Golf and Ownership of Prestigious Courses
Donald Trump has been engaged with golf for decades, owning a portfolio of 18 golf courses worldwide, including several prominent properties under the brand Trumpgolf.com. Among these are notable courses in the United States such as Trump National Doral, Trump Jupiter, and Trump West Palm Beach. Trump’s involvement in golf extends beyond ownership; he frequently hosted and participated in tournaments across his properties, often emphasizing his competitive prowess.
Endorsements and Esteemed Play
During his years in the public eye, Trump has played alongside numerous well-known golfers and received endorsements from prominent players. Notably, some professional golfers have offered positive remarks about Trump’s golf game, though these statements often come with implied caution. For instance, legendary players like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau have spoken favorably, yet somewhat reserved, about Trump’s skills on the course.
Controversies and Allegations of Cheating
Despite his claims of success, Trump’s reputation has been marred by allegations of rule bending and cheating. A well-cited example comes from the publication of a 2019 book, “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump”, which details instances of what the author describes as Trump’s excessive bending of golf rules. It claims he often “throws it, boots it, and moves it,” reflecting a habitual tendency to manipulate game rules in his favor.
At Trump’s golf club at Winged Foot, caddies nicknamed him ‘Pele’ because of his tendency to kick the ball onto the fairway rather than using traditional shots. The anecdotal stories have added fuel to the debate over Trump’s honesty when playing. Reports also indicate he has claimed to have won multiple club championships—often unverified—and has boasted of over 20 victories in various local tournaments.
Notable Incidents and Political Ramifications
Trump’s approach to golf has intersected with his political career, leading to notable incidents. For example, he topped the leaderboard at the final round of the Senior Club Championship at Trump International West Palm Beach, despite not participating in the first round. He reportedly used an earlier score to claim victory, a move that drew criticism. He also publicly celebrated this win on social media, describing it as a ‘great honor.’
His contentious relationships with professional golf organizations further highlight the controversy. In 2016, the PGA Tour moved the World Golf Championship event away from Trump’s Doral course to Mexico City, prompting Trump to make disparaging remarks about Mexico during his presidential campaign. Later, in January 2021, the PGA of America withdrew the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course in response to the Capitol riots carried out by his supporters.
Trump’s Support for LIV Golf and Its Impact
Following these disagreements, Trump has openly supported LIV Golf, a new league challenging the PGA Tour. LIV Golf events frequently take place at Trump-owned courses, notably hosting the LIV Golf Miami Tournament at the Trump National Doral for a fourth consecutive year in April 2025. This partnership has reportedly increased revenue streams for Trump’s courses and boosted LIV Golf’s recognition in the competitive landscape of professional golf.
Additional Anecdotes and Cultural Impressions
Several stories recount Trump disputing victories or questionable moments during casual and charity rounds. A former club champion at West Palm Beach recounted Trump denying victory because he was absent, while other stories describe how Trump attempted to take credit for misplayed balls or controversial shots. These anecdotes, although partly anecdotal, are frequently cited to portray a pattern of behavior that some view as dismissive of golf’s sportsmanship standards.
Family Achievements and Present-Day Activities
In the latest developments, Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, finished tied for third in a South Florida PGA event in July 2025, tying for the most birdies in the tournament. Meanwhile, Trump continues to spend significant time at his Florida properties, often attending LIV Golf events and promoting his courses through various marketing channels.
Membership and Public Accessibility
Trump’s golf clubs operate under multiple membership tiers, with some courses open to the public and others reserved for private members. The properties’ websites provide contact forms for membership inquiries, and the courses host a mix of recreational and professional events, including the LIV Golf Miami Tournament at Doral. These collaborations have reportedly benefited both Trump’s business interests and the league’s expanding profile.
Conclusion
The recent viral video has cast a new spotlight on Donald Trump’s longstanding and often controversial relationship with golf. The combination of anecdotal stories, verified incidents, and the strategic support of competing leagues like LIV Golf illustrates the complex, multi-faceted nature of his presence in the sport. As debates continue, the question of integrity and rules adherence remains central to understanding Trump’s role in golf history.
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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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