New York City, July 29, 2025
News Summary
A recently surfaced video has reignited allegations of Donald Trump cheating at golf, drawing attention to his ownership of multiple golf courses and a controversial history. Sports writer Rick Reilly’s insights highlight Trump’s alleged rules violations, including claims of bending the game’s principles. Despite receiving endorsements from well-known golfers, Trump’s reputation remains contentious, particularly following his claims of victories in tournaments. The implications of these allegations extend to his ongoing relationship with the PGA Tour and his involvement with LIV Golf, illustrating the broader impact on his public persona and the sport.
New York City – A video surfaced in July 2025, reigniting claims of Donald Trump cheating at golf, which quickly went viral over social media. The video has drawn attention to the former president’s long-standing relationship with the sport, his ownership of numerous golf courses worldwide, and his controversial history of bending the rules on the golf course.
As an avid golfer, Trump is known for owning 18 golf courses through his brand Trump Golf, which includes 12 locations in the United States—three of which are located in Florida: Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Doral. Despite having played with numerous notable golfers and receiving endorsements, his conduct on the course has often raised eyebrows.
In 2019, sports writer Rick Reilly published a book detailing Trump’s alleged cheating behaviors, entitled Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump. Reilly describes several instances of supposed rule-bending, including claims that Trump frequently “throws it,” “boots it,” and “moves it” during play. His reputation for cheating has even led caddies at Winged Foot Golf Club to give him the nickname “Pele,” alluding to his reported habit of kicking his ball into better positions on the fairway.
In more recent golf tournaments, Trump claimed victories that have also raised questions. At the Senior Club Championship at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, he celebrated topping the leaderboard after using a score from a previous round, despite not having played the first round. This win was proclaimed as a “great honor,” with Trump portraying himself as being in peak performance.
Trump’s relationship with the PGA Tour has also been complex. The tour’s decision to shift the World Golf Championship from his Doral course to Mexico City in 2016 fueled tensions, particularly after angering him with comments about Mexico during his presidential campaign. The fallout continued in January 2021 when the PGA of America withdrew the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course following the Capitol riot, a decision that drew significant media scrutiny.
In response to challenges from traditional golfing authorities, Trump has also aligned with LIV Golf, a startup league that competes with the PGA Tour and hosts events at his golf properties. This collaboration has reportedly benefited both his financial standing and the visibility of the LIV Golf brand. One recent highlight was the LIV Golf Miami Tournament, hosted at the Trump National Doral Golf Club, marking the fourth consecutive year for the event.
A former club champion recalled a specific instance during golf competitions in which Trump disputed others’ victories, exemplifying his contentious nature surrounding golf scores. Anecdotes from Reilly narrate events where Trump allegedly tried to claim misplayed balls as his own during rounds. Additionally, Trump boasts of holding 18 club championships, though these claims often lack verification.
Despite the controversies, notable professional golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau have commented positively on Trump’s golf prowess, albeit with cautious remarks about his competitive nature. Meanwhile, Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, finished tied for third in a South Florida PGA event, further linking the Trump family to the golfing community.
As golf remains an integral part of Trump’s lifestyle and brand, he has been reported to spend considerable time at his Florida residences, attending events and actively promoting golf at his properties. Details on membership for Trump Golf Clubs reveal structured tiers and accessibility, with some courses open to the public, while others remain private.
As the debate over Trump’s golf ethics continues, the recent video episode exemplifies the enduring scrutiny he faces regarding his sporting integrity and the broader implications it has on his public persona.
FAQ
What are the main allegations against Donald Trump related to golf?
The main allegations involve Trump bending or breaking golfing rules to improve his scores, highlighted in Rick Reilly’s book and numerous anecdotes from players and caddies.
How many golf courses does Donald Trump own?
Trump owns a total of 18 golf courses worldwide, including 12 in the United States and three in Florida.
What is LIV Golf, and how is it connected to Trump?
LIV Golf is a startup league that competes with the PGA Tour. Trump has supported the league, which hosts events at his golf properties, benefiting both his revenue and the league’s visibility.
What is the significance of the viral video from July 2025?
The video reignited discussions about Trump’s long-standing reputation for cheating in golf, drawing attention to various past incidents and controversies.
What other notable players have commented on Trump’s golf game?
While Trump has received endorsements from notable figures like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau, their feedback has generally been tempered with caution regarding Trump’s competitive tendencies.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Trump has been accused of bending golf rules to enhance his scores. |
| Ownership | Maintains 18 golf courses globally, including 12 in the U.S. |
| LIV Golf | Startup league supported by Trump, hosting events at his courses. |
| Viral Video | Recent footage has revived cheating allegations against Trump. |
| Notable Endorsements | Trump has received mixed reviews from golf legends like Nicklaus and DeChambeau. |
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
