News Summary
A recently surfaced viral video has reignited discussions surrounding former President Donald Trump and his golf practices. The footage revisits allegations of cheating and calls into question his adherence to golf rules, echoing sentiments expressed in Rick Reilly’s book, ‘Commander in Cheat.’ As Trump continues his influence in the golf realm, showcasing partnerships with LIV Golf while navigating strained relationships with the PGA, conversations about ethics in sports and celebrity impact remain pertinent. The narrative also highlights the rising prominence of younger golfers in the Trump family.
West Palm Beach, FL – In July 2025, a viral video surfaced, reigniting discussions about former President Donald Trump’s alleged golf cheating. This footage highlights Trump’s long-standing relationship with the sport and sheds light on various incidents throughout his golfing history that raise eyebrows regarding his adherence to the rules of the game.
Trump is a well-known figure in the golf world, owning 18 golf courses globally under the Trump Golf brand, including notable locations such as Trump National Doral in Miami, Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, and others across the United States. His ownership and influence in golf have drawn the interest of numerous professional players, many of whom have praised his game while treading lightly around the topic.
Rick Reilly’s 2019 book, “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” documented Trump’s questionable practices on the course. The book claims that Trump frequently bends golf rules, with descriptions of him moving his ball to more favorable positions during play. According to Reilly, Trump’s behavior on the golf course has led to local caddies so nicknaming him “Pele” because of his tendency to kick his ball onto fairways. This behavior has been corroborated by various golfers who have played with Trump over the years, including Ted Virtue, a former club champion at Trump’s West Palm Beach course.
Recent incidents have continued to draw scrutiny. After not participating in the first round of the Senior Club Championship at Trump International Golf Club, Trump topped the leaderboard in the final round by reportedly using a previous score from another round. He celebrated this win on social media, calling it a “great honor,” which many found questionable, considering his absence from the initial competition.
Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the PGA Tour began in 2016 when they shifted the World Golf Championship from his Doral course to Mexico City. This breach of partnership escalated in January 2021 when the PGA of America pulled the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course following the insurrection at the Capitol, raising further tensions between Trump’s golf ventures and professional golfing organizations.
Despite these challenges, Trump has aligned himself with LIV Golf, a new competitive league that hosts tournaments at his courses, which has enhanced both his revenue and the league’s visibility. The Trump National Doral Golf Club has hosted the LIV Golf Miami Tournament for the fourth consecutive year, showcasing the former president’s ongoing investment in the golf industry.
Trump initially received goodwill from golf stalwarts like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau, who have publicly acknowledged his golfing skills, albeit with a hint of caution regarding the veracity of his competitive claims. Trump has often touted having won 18 club championships and even boasted of over 20 wins, many of which remain unverified.
Younger generations of golfers are also becoming part of the narrative. Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, made headlines with her tied third finish in a South Florida PGA event, notably securing a place among the leaders for most birdies in the tournament. This success further consolidates the family’s presence in the golfing community.
As Trump remains a familiar face at LIV Golf events and his Florida residences, his golf-related claims and actions continue to spark discussions about golf integrity and the implications of celebrity in professional sports. The debate surrounding Trump’s golfing ethics reflects broader themes of fairness and competition that are central to the sport, making the recent viral video a centerpiece in ongoing conversations about his legacy both on and off the golf course.
Membership options for Trump Golf Clubs offer different tiers for enthusiasts, with some clubs available to public patrons, whereas others remain exclusive for members only. As discussions around Trump’s golf practices persist, the sport continues to navigate the complexities of celebrity influence and the importance of upholding standards of competition.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
