News Summary
A viral video alleging Donald Trump cheated at golf has ignited renewed scrutiny of his golfing reputation. Known for contentious practices on the course, Trump’s history of manipulation, including dubious scorekeeping and controversial claims, has drawn criticism from peers and commentators alike. Despite mixed reviews from the golfing community, his ownership of numerous golf courses, especially in Florida, highlights the complex relationship between Trump and the sport. The recent video adds fuel to the ongoing debates surrounding his conduct in golf and how it impacts his legacy.
Florida – A controversial video of former President Donald Trump allegedly cheating at golf has gone viral in July 2025, reviving discussions around his long-standing reputation in the sport. The video has sparked widespread interest in Trump’s extensive and often contentious golfing practices, characterized by dubious actions and claims over the years.
Trump, who owns 18 golf courses worldwide, including 12 in the United States, has managed to maintain a significant presence in the golfing community. Among his courses are three located in Florida: Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Doral. His involvement in golf extends beyond ownership; Trump has played with prominent golfers such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Brooks Koepka. Despite his polarizing reputation, he has received endorsements from some well-known players.
However, Trump’s golfing history has been mired in controversy. Sportswriter Rick Reilly’s 2019 book Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, highlights many of these issues, detailing how Trump is frequently accused of gaming the system on the golf course – from moving his ball to improve his stance to misleading scorekeeping. Reilly refers to him as a player who “throws it, boots it, and moves it,” and nicknames him “Pele” for his penchant for kicking the ball back into play.
Compounding his controversial reputation, Trump made headlines again in January 2025 when he topped the leaderboard in the Senior Club Championship. Critically, he did not participate in the first round, instead claiming to use a previous score to fill in his results. This incident reinforced existing perceptions of his game manipulation tactics and alleged misrepresentation.
The relationship between Trump and the golfing community has seen both praise and disapproval. In 2016, the PGA Tour moved a championship he was hosting from his course to Mexico City after losing its sponsorship, a decision Trump expressed frustration over, reflecting his contentious views on the country. Following the January 2021 Capitol riots, the PGA of America made the decision to relocate the 2022 PGA Championship away from Trump’s Bedminster course, further straining this relationship. In response, Trump has since backed the LIV Golf league, a rival to the traditional PGA Tour, which has hosted events at his properties, generating significant revenue for his golf courses.
Various accounts from fellow golfers highlight instances of Trump’s behavior on the course. A former club champion, Ted Virtue, recounted an experience where Trump allegedly manipulated the game’s outcome and claimed that Virtue did not genuinely win a championship. Accusations of cheating and misleading tactics have been echoed by numerous witnesses, complicating the former president’s legacy in the sport.
Trump also faced criticism during charity golf events, where he was reported to have misrepresented his performance, creating confusion surrounding his golf skills and achievements. Despite these controversies, his family continues to take part in the sport; notably, Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, tied for third in a Srixon Medalist Tour event in July 2025, showcasing another branch of the family’s engagement with golf.
The golfing world remains a significant aspect of Trump’s life, with his Florida golf courses drawing him frequently, particularly on weekends since his tenure began. Meanwhile, the LIV Golf events hosted at these courses have emerged as a critical revenue source, suggesting that despite the controversies, the business side of Trump’s golf empire remains solid.
As the viral video adds to the narrative surrounding Trump’s golfing escapades, his storied and controversial history continues to provoke discussion, drawing attention both for his business dealings and his conduct on the course.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Donald Trump Faces Controversy Over Golf Video
Trump Visits Scotland Golf Resorts Amid Protests
Additional Resources
- Palm Beach Post
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- ABC News
- Google Search: Donald Trump golf
- TCPalm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- CNN
- Google News: Trump LIV Golf
- USA Today
- Google Scholar: Donald Trump golf
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