Former President Donald Trump’s golf game is once again under scrutiny, with new video evidence emerging that appears to show instances of rule-bending on the course.
A Swing of Controversy
Donald Trump, known for his love of golf and ownership of numerous courses worldwide, is no stranger to allegations of cheating on the green. For years, fellow players and even his own caddies have whispered about his tactics.
These accusations, often dismissed or refuted by Trump himself, are now gaining new traction. Recent video footage has surfaced, adding weight to claims that the former president might not always play by the book.
Video Evidence Emerges
A Subtle Adjustment?
One video, released by Reuters, reportedly shows Trump subtly moving his ball with his club while on the fairway at his Turnberry course in Scotland. An eyewitness in the background can be heard expressing disbelief at what they were seeing.
The Caddie’s Role
Another clip depicts a caddie appearing to drop or flick Trump’s ball into a more favorable position. Trump is seen nearby in a golf cart, off the fairway. This second video further fuels the narrative that rule violations might not be isolated incidents.
Trump’s Golfing Claims vs. Reality
Trump has often boasted about his golf prowess, claiming a handicap of 2.8 and asserting that “very few people can beat me.” He even once stated he holds an amateur record at his West Palm Beach, Florida course.
However, publications like Forbes have reported his handicap as a 4, noting they have yet to see a “real signed scorecard.” These discrepancies have long contributed to the skepticism surrounding his self-proclaimed golf skills.
Tales from the Tee Box
Celebrities and professional golfers who have played with Trump have shared their own experiences. Actor Samuel L. Jackson once claimed he saw Trump hit a ball into a lake, only for his caddie to miraculously “find” it later. Trump retorted by accusing Jackson of cheating.
Rick Reilly, author of “Commander in Cheat,” famously wrote that caddies at Trump’s Winged Foot club nicknamed him “Pele” because he was known for kicking his ball back onto the fairway. Even rock star Alice Cooper and comedian Anthony Anderson have hinted at irregular play, with Anderson quipping, “His caddie cheats for him.”
Former European Solheim Cup captain Suzann Pettersen was more direct, stating, “He cheats like hell… I’m pretty sure he pays his caddie well, since no matter how far into the woods he hits the ball, it’s in the middle of the fairway when we get there.”
Beyond the Green: Taxpayer Costs
Beyond the game itself, Trump’s frequent golf outings also drew attention for their financial implications. The watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) estimated that during his first term, Trump visited his various golf courses an astonishing 328 times while in official capacity, raising questions about the cost to taxpayers.
- New videos show Donald Trump allegedly adjusting his ball and a caddie moving it.
- Allegations of cheating from celebrities and pro golfers have persisted for years.
- Trump maintains a low handicap, but this is often disputed by those who’ve played with him.
- His frequent golf trips to his own properties incurred significant taxpayer costs.
The debate around Donald Trump’s golf etiquette continues to be as persistent as his love for the sport.
