News Summary
A viral video has reignited discussions about Donald Trump’s controversial golf history, showcasing moments that critics argue illustrate his tendency to bend rules. Owning numerous golf courses worldwide, including several in Florida, Trump has been criticized for dubious claims about his golfing prowess. Notable incidents, including a disputed win at a Senior Club Championship, have raised eyebrows among competitive players. Despite his divisive reputation, Trump’s involvement in golf continues to be significant, especially with the rise of LIV Golf. His legacy remains intertwined with both sports and politics.
West Palm Beach, Florida – A video featuring Donald Trump allegedly cheating at golf has gone viral in July 2025, reigniting discussions surrounding Trump’s long and controversial history with the sport. The clip showcases moments that critics argue highlight a pattern of bending the rules during his golf outings, further drawing attention to Trump’s ownership of numerous luxurious golf courses and resorts around the world.
Trump’s connection to golf is extensive, with ownership of 18 golf courses globally, including 12 located in the United States. Among these, three courses reside in the state of Florida: Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and the renowned Doral. Throughout his golfing career, Trump has shared the green with many notable golfers and has received endorsements from some of the sport’s most recognized names.
Despite this acclaim, Trump has earned a reputation for dubious claims and rule-bending during his outings. This notoriety has been part of the narrative discussed in Rick Reilly’s 2019 book, Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, which outlines instances where Trump allegedly manipulated the rules to claim victories. Reilly highlights how Trump is known for adjusting his golf game to his favor by, for example, moving the ball or claiming scores that were not accurate. Anecdotes have emerged suggesting that Trump frequently kicks his ball to improve his lie, leading West Palm Beach caddies to affectionately nickname him ‘Pele’, after the famous soccer player.
In a notable incident at the Senior Club Championship held at Trump International West Palm Beach, Trump topped the leaderboard in the final round despite not participating in the first. He claimed to use an earlier score, describing his accomplishment on social media as a “great honor” and asserting that his skills were on display. This incident, along with others, has raised eyebrows among competitive players and observers alike.
Trump’s relationship with the golf community has fluctuated over the years, particularly with the PGA Tour. In 2016, tensions heightened when the PGA moved the World Golf Championship from his Doral venue to Mexico City, a decision that triggered Trump to make disparaging remarks about Mexico during his presidential campaign. Following the Capitol riot in January 2021, the PGA of America made the decision to sever ties and pull the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course, a move that ruffled Trump’s feathers and further complicated his standing in the golf world.
In contrast to his sharp disagreements with the PGA, Trump has shown support for LIV Golf, a startup league that aims to rival the established PGA Tour. LIV Golf hosts numerous events at Trump-owned properties, which has reportedly enhanced both Trump’s financial standing and the league’s visibility in the competitive golfing environment.
Trump’s golf legacy is also marked by his claims of winning 18 club championships, a point that remains largely unverified. He often asserts that he has more than 20 victories under his belt, a boast that has sparked skepticism from various circles. These claims have been compounded by encounters with fellow golfers, including Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, where disputes over golfing prowess have further colored Trump’s image in the sport.
While some prominent golfers, such as Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau, have publicly commended Trump’s skills on the course, their praise frequently comes with an air of caution about his playing style. Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, recently made headlines by tying for third place in a South Florida PGA event, showcasing that the Trump family continues to engage actively in the sport.
Reports indicate that Trump frequently spends time at his Florida residences, engaging with LIV Golf events held at his courses and positioning himself at the center of Florida’s golfing community. As LIV Golf prepares to host the Miami Tournament at Trump National Doral for the fourth consecutive year in early April 2025, it remains clear that Trump’s influence and involvement in golf will continue to stir public interest and debate.
The details surrounding Trump’s golf ventures and his controversial tactics highlight a unique intersection of sports and politics, keeping him firmly in the public eye despite varying opinions about his actions on and off the golf course.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trump’s Scotland Visit Blends Diplomacy and Golf Interests
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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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
