Former President Donald Trump recently claimed victory in a golf tournament held at a club he owns, a boast that has reignited long-standing allegations of cheating. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that he won with a score of 70, attributing his success to "TALENT" despite having "very little time to practice."
Critics quickly responded, pointing to Trump's history of being accused of cheating at golf by individuals who have played with him. These accusations have persisted for decades. For example, a viral video from last year captured moments that observers interpreted as evidence of cheating. Trump has also been noted for frequently playing and winning at courses he owns, while his performance at other venues has been less successful. In a 2006 celebrity tournament in Tahoe, Trump reportedly finished 62nd out of 80 participants.
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a former ally and golf partner, alluded to Trump's golf practices in a 2022 deposition. "Some people say you may outdrive him, but you’re not going to outdrive his caddy," Graham stated, a remark interpreted as a reference to Trump's alleged use of a faster golf cart.
Sports writer Rick Reilly, author of a book detailing Trump's alleged golfing improprieties, has described tactics such as moving the ball to more advantageous positions and kicking opponents' balls into hazards. Reilly recounted an incident in 2024 where Trump allegedly moved a ball that had landed in a pond to the fairway, claiming "It must’ve been the tide."
In 2019, Reilly told The Associated Press that numerous individuals could corroborate claims of Trump cheating at golf. The former president's recent post has prompted further criticism on social media from various figures who questioned his focus on golf while the country faces other significant issues, such as economic concerns and international conflicts. Some critics also highlighted a 2016 campaign promise where Trump stated he would not have time to play golf if elected president.