West Palm Beach, July 29, 2025
News Summary
A recently released video has reignited discussions surrounding Donald Trump’s integrity in golf, as allegations of cheating resurface. Trump’s long-standing relationship with the sport, particularly his ownership of numerous golf courses, is under scrutiny. Historical claims about his golf achievements have also drawn skepticism, especially following controversies with the PGA and the emergence of the LIV Golf league. As debates continue, Trump’s golf reputation remains a focal point in reflecting his character beyond political life.
West Palm Beach – A video released in July 2025 has reignited debates surrounding Donald Trump’s integrity in golf, showcasing him allegedly violating the rules of the game. This media development has amplified scrutiny regarding Trump’s longstanding relationship with the sport and his ownership of luxury golf courses around the globe.
Trump, who operates 18 golf courses worldwide through his company Trumpgolf.com, has historically boasted about his golf prowess, often sharing claims of winning numerous tournaments. Among these are twelve golf properties located in the United States, including three in Florida: Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Doral. In recent years, however, his golf reputation has been overshadowed by allegations of unethical conduct on the course.
The initial controversy stems from a book published in 2019 by author Rick Reilly titled “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump.” This work details multiple incidents of alleged cheating on the golf course, with Reilly asserting that Trump has a habit of bending the rules excessively. Anecdotes include Trump being nicknamed ‘Pele’ by caddies for his habit of kicking his ball into better positions on the fairway. Another specific example includes Trump topping the leaderboard at the Senior Club Championship at Trump International West Palm Beach, despite skipping the first round and claiming to have used a previous score to qualify.
Trump’s relationship with professional golf has been tumultuous, particularly following his presidency. In 2016, the PGA Tour angered Trump by relocating a prestigious tournament away from his Doral property to Mexico City, leading to disparaging comments from him regarding Mexico. This strain worsened in January 2021 when the PGA of America withdrew the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course, following the Capitol riot instigated by some of his supporters.
In retaliation, Trump has shown support for LIV Golf, a new league competing against the PGA Tour that frequently hosts events at his golf properties. Reports indicate that this collaboration has enhanced both Trump’s financial position and the league’s visibility. Notably, the LIV Golf Miami Tournament has been held at Trump National Doral for four consecutive years starting in early April 2025.
Various professional golfers commonly speak about Trump, with more established names like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau offering cautious commendations of his game. However, lingering questions remain about the accuracy of Trump’s self-reported tournament victories, many of which are unverified. Additionally, club champion Ted Virtue recalls moments when Trump disputed tournament results, claiming a misplayed ball as his own.
Interest in Trump’s golf activities extends to family, with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, successfully tying for third place in a South Florida PGA event in July 2025. She made headlines by tying for the most birdies during the tournament.
As the controversy surrounding Trump continues to unfold, he remains a significant figure within the golf community, both for his business ventures and play style. With golf being a prominent element of his public persona, the narrative surrounding his conduct on the course serves as a window into his character beyond politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why has Donald Trump’s golf conduct come under scrutiny recently?
In July 2025, a viral video emerged allegedly showing Trump cheating at golf, which reignited discussions about his integrity in the sport.
2. What major golf courses does Trump own?
Trump owns 18 golf courses globally, including notable properties in Florida, such as Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Doral.
3. How has Trump’s relationship with the PGA changed over the years?
Trump’s relationship with the PGA has soured since 2016 when a tour moved a major tournament from his Doral course, which coincided with his controversial comments about Mexico. This deterioration escalated when the PGA of America removed a championship from his Bedminster course following the January 2021 Capitol riot.
4. What is LIV Golf, and what is Trump’s association with it?
LIV Golf is a new league competing with the PGA Tour. Trump has endorsed the league, which holds events at his golf properties, aiding in boosting his revenue.
5. Has Trump claimed to have won many amateur or club championships?
Trump has frequently boasted about winning 18 club championships and over 20 tournaments, but many of these claims lack verification.
Key Features of Trump’s Golf Reputation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cheating Allegations | Alleged bending of rules detailed by Rick Reilly and supported by various anecdotes. |
| Golf Courses Owned | 18 golf courses worldwide, mostly in the U.S., including Florida’s Jupiter and Doral. |
| PGA Relationship | Strained after major tournament relocations and removal of the PGA Championship from Bedminster. |
| Support for LIV Golf | Aligned with the new league, hosting events at his courses and boosting business. |
| Self-Reported Achievements | Claims of winning multiple championships, many of which are unverified. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Donald Trump’s Financial Disclosure Reveals Stunning Wealth
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
