News Summary
A viral video showing Donald Trump potentially bending the rules during a golf game has reignited discussions about his honesty in sports. The footage raises questions about Trump’s integrity on the golf course, with social media buzzing over interpretations of the incident. Despite a longstanding narrative of rule-bending associated with Trump, he remains a prominent figure in the golf world, owning numerous courses and continuing to impact the sport through various tournaments.
Miami, Florida — July 2025
A recent viral video has reignited longstanding questions about Donald Trump’s honesty on the golf course, sparking widespread discussion about his sportsmanship and record-keeping. The footage, which quickly circulated across social media platforms, appears to show the former president intentionally bending the rules to gain advantage during a game. This development comes amid a long-standing narrative regarding Trump’s relationship with golf, both as a player and as a businessman with extensive holdings in the sport.
Viral Video Sparks New Controversy
The video, filmed at one of Trump’s golf outings, depicts an incident where he seemingly moves his ball or disputes a call in his favor. While some viewers interpret the footage as evidence of cheating, others argue it is a typical part of the informal nature of golf. Nonetheless, the clip has brought renewed attention to accusations of dishonesty that have followed Trump for years. Social media users are debating whether the incident constitutes a breach of golf etiquette or a more serious breach of integrity.
Trump’s Golf Legacy and Business Empire
Donald Trump has a long history with golf, beginning well before his presidency. Known for his passion for the sport, he owns or manages a portfolio of 18 golf courses worldwide, operated under the brand Trumpgolf.com. In the United States, he owns 12 courses, including prominent facilities in Florida such as Trump Doral in Miami, Trump West Palm Beach, and Trump Jupiter. His properties have hosted high-profile events, including PGA Tour tournaments and LIV Golf competitions.
Trump’s hotels and resorts often boast luxury golf amenities, attracting prominent celebrities and professional golfers. Over the years, he has played with renowned players and received various endorsements, although his relationship with golf’s professional organizations has experienced tensions.
History of Allegations and Notable Incidents
Trump’s history with golf is marked by several controversies related to his playing style and claims of victory. Rick Reilly’s 2019 book, ‘Commander in Cheat,’ details instances where he alleges Trump frequently bends golf rules to his benefit, including excessive bending of rules, discarding shots, and moving balls. Anecdotes abound, such as caddies at Winged Foot—the course where Trump is a member—nicknaming him ‘Pele’ due to his habit of kicking his ball onto the fairway.
One notable incident involved Trump claiming victory in the Senior Club Championship at Trump International West Palm Beach
despite missing the first round, allegedly using an earlier score to post a higher total. After the tournament, Trump shared on social media that he was playing exceptionally well and regarded his win as a ‘great honor.’ Such claims have often been scrutinized for their accuracy and consistency.
Golf Tournament Involvement and Political Fallout
Trump has used golf achievements in the past to bolster his image, citing championships won at various clubs, often claiming to have won over 20 titles. However, many of these claims are difficult to verify. His golf activities have also intersected with his political life, causing friction with professional golf organizations.
Relations with the PGA Tour deteriorated notably in 2016 when the tour moved the World Golf Championship event from Trump’s Doral course to Mexico City, a decision that angered him especially because of his political statements regarding Mexico. Later, in 2021, the PGA of America withdrew the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster club following the Capitol riot. Trump responded by backing LIV Golf, a new league that introduced competition to the PGA Tour and hosts events at Trump courses, including LIV Golf Miami at Trump Doral—the tournament held annually in early April.
Player and Personal Accounts
Former club champions and visitors recount incidents where Trump disputed scores or claimed victories without consistent evidence. One such caddy, Ted Virtue, remembered an instance when Trump challenged his win because of his absence during the championship. Other stories include Trump attempting to claim an opponent’s ball as his own during a water hazard, and boasting of winning numerous club championships, with some claims remaining unverified.
Trump’s competitive style on the golf course has occasionally led to disputes with other players, including commercial rivals like Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Trump has also historically played in charity events with professional golfers, sometimes under conditions that favored him, leading to discrepancies in scoring records.
Recent Developments and Continuing Influence
In recent years, Trump’s golf activities have remained prominent, especially through LIV Golf tournaments hosted at his courses. His granddaughter, Kai Trump, recently achieved a third-place finish in a South Florida PGA event, tying for the most birdies in the tournament, highlighting ongoing family participation in the sport.
Membership policies at various Trump Golf Clubs vary, with some offering public access and others being private. The partnership between LIV Golf and Trump’s courses has reportedly increased revenue, solidified his influence in the sport, and drawn international attention. His involvement with LIV Golf continues to shape his public image as both a businessman and a golfer, amid ongoing scrutiny over allegations of rule-bending and contesting scores.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
