Donald Trump’s golfing habits have long been under scrutiny, with numerous accounts alleging that he frequently bends the rules to his advantage. One particularly striking incident involves sportscaster Mike Tirico, who recounted a game where Trump’s caddy made a startling admission.The Times+1FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+1FOX SPORTS+3The Guardian+3FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+3
During a round of golf, Tirico hit what he described as the shot of his life—a 230-yard three-wood that he believed landed close to the hole. However, upon reaching the green, his ball was inexplicably found 50 feet away in a bunker. Later, Trump’s caddy confessed to Tirico that Trump had thrown his ball into the bunker, stating, “You know that shot you hit on the par 5? It was about 10 feet from the hole. Trump threw it into the bunker. I watched him do it.” The Guardian+1FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+1The Guardian+2Golf+2FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+2
This incident is not isolated. Rick Reilly, a former Sports Illustrated columnist and author of “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” has documented numerous instances of Trump’s alleged cheating. Reilly claims that Trump “has to win” and “will do anything to cheat,” with about 90% of people he interviewed stating that Trump “openly cheats” and shows no remorse. The Guardian+7FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+7The New Yorker+7
Other notable figures have also accused Trump of dishonest behavior on the golf course. Actor Samuel L. Jackson recounted an experience where Trump’s caddy claimed to have found a ball that Jackson had seen go into a lake, suggesting it was Trump’s. Similarly, boxer Oscar De La Hoya reported that Trump cheated against him twice in two holes, and musician Alice Cooper has shared stories of Trump’s questionable golf tactics. The Irish Times+11FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+11The New Yorker+11The Guardian+1Vogue+1Golf+2FOX SPORTS+2The Guardian+2
Trump’s penchant for self-aggrandizement extends to his claims of golf achievements. He has boasted about winning numerous club championships, but investigations have revealed that many of these claims are unverified or exaggerated. For instance, he once declared himself the club champion at Bedminster after allegedly shooting a 67, despite not participating in the actual tournament. FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+2The Times+2The Irish Times+2The New Yorker+3The Irish Times+3FOGOLF – FOLLOW GOLF+3
These accounts paint a picture of a man who prioritizes winning and personal image over honesty and sportsmanship. While some may view these actions as harmless eccentricities, others see them as reflective of a broader pattern of behavior that raises questions about character and integrity.
