Donald Trump’s golf game is a mix of skill, controversy, and personal flair. He’s not just a casual player he takes the game seriously, owns 17 golf courses, and claims 19 club championship titles.
Is Donald Trump good at golf? This question still makes many people curious not just golf fans, but also people who follow politics or enjoy sports.
Donald Trump is known as a good amateur golfer. His golf handicap is said to be around 2.8, which means he’s pretty skilled for someone who doesn’t play golf as a job. He usually hits the ball well, swings smoothly, and plays the game with steady results.
In this article, we’ll ignore the gossip and show you the real facts about how good Trump is at golf so you can understand the truth and make up your own mind.
How Donald Trump keeps Winning Golf Club Championships
Donald Trump really loves golf. He started his golf journey in 1999 when he bought his first golf course in West Palm Beach. Since then, his company the Trump Organization has built a big golf empire with 17 golf courses all over the world.
Some of the most famous ones include Turnberry in Scotland and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen. These are known as top-quality golf places.
Trump plays golf a lot. When he was president, reports say he played about once every 4 days. He has also become friends with many famous golfers, like Bryson DeChambeau and Jack Nicklaus, who have won big tournaments.
Trump’s Golf Portfolio at a Glance: Is Donald Trump Good at Golf
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Courses Owned | 17 worldwide properties |
| First Course Acquired | West Palm Beach, 1999 |
| Notable Properties | Turnberry (Scotland), Doonbeg (Ireland), Trump National Doral (Miami) |
| Self-Reported Handicap | 2.8 |
| Playing Frequency | Approximately every 4.2 days during presidency |
| Notable Golf Partners | Bryson DeChambeau, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods |
Does Donald Trump Have A Good Golf Swing
In July 2024, golf coach Paul Elvin watched a video of Donald Trump playing golf with U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau. He studied Trump’s swing carefully and shared his thoughts on how Trump hits the ball.
This expert assessment offers valuable insights into Trump’s actual abilities.
“Well, let’s firstly remember Donald Trump is 78 years old,” Elvin noted. “He rotates fantastically well through impact and generates great power in transition.
Elvin identified specific technical strengths in Trump’s game:
- Power: Even though Donald Trump is older, he still hits the ball with strong power when he swings down after lifting the club.
- Body Turn: He turns his body really well when hitting the ball, which helps him hit it more smoothly and the same way each time.
- Swing Path: His swing looks a little different at first, but he fixes it during the swing to make sure it’s on the right path.
- Good Finish: His hands and wrists move the right way when he hits the ball, showing that he has good golf skills.
On PGA Tour-length courses with tough pin placements, I don’t believe he would be able to maintain that handicap, but that goes for most amateur players.”
What Is Trump Golf Handicap
According to the United States Golf Association, Donald Trump has a golf handicap of 2.8. That means he’s a very good golfer. In fact, only about 1 or 2 out of every 100 regular golfers in America are that good.
A 2.8 handicap means:
- The player typically shoots scores in the mid-to-high 70s on a par-72 course
- They can reasonably compete with highly skilled amateurs
- They possess significant technical skill and course management ability
| Handicap Range | Skill Level | Typical Score (Par 72) | % of Golfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | Excellent | 72-77 | ~2% |
| 6-10 | Very Good | 78-82 | ~5% |
| 11-15 | Good | 83-87 | ~10% |
| 16-20 | Average | 88-92 | ~30% |
| 21+ | Beginner/Recreational | 93+ | ~53% |
Looking at Trump’s recorded scores in the GHIN system reveals several interesting patterns:
- Seven of his ten “counting” scores occurred in tournament play (suggesting competitive ability)
- His scoring history in the system only dates back to 2009, despite decades of playing
- There are relatively few total rounds posted (raising questions about selective score posting)
- Most of his recorded rounds occurred during optimal playing months (May-July)
Golf instructor Paul Elvin offered this nuanced assessment:
“From the right tees, I believe he’s a 2.8 handicap. On PGA Tour-length courses with tough pin placements, I don’t believe he would be able to shoot better than an 80. But most courses are shorter and more approachable.
How Good Is Donald Trump The Golfer
People talk a lot about how good Donald Trump is at golf. Some say he’s amazing, while others don’t agree. Golf experts have looked closely at how he plays.
Trump, who is now 78 years old, says he’s a great golfer. He says his handicap is 2.8, which is really low, and that he has won many club championships.
But what do the real facts say? If we ignore politics and just look at how he swings, scores, and plays the game, we can better understand his true golfing skills.
What Percent Of Golfers Can Shoot Their Age
The average handicap for male golfers aged 75-79 is approximately 18.3, according to USGA data. Only 3.5% of golfers in this age bracket maintain a single-digit handicap. Here’s how Trump’s claimed abilities compare:
| Metric | Trump’s Claimed/Reported | Age Group Average (75-79) | Top 5% of Age Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handicap | 2.8 | 18.3 | 8.2 |
| Driving Distance | “Deceptively long” (240-260 yards estimated) | 192 yards | 225+ yards |
| Greens in Regulation | “Consistent iron play” (anecdotal) | 25% | 45%+ |
| Scoring Average | Low-mid 70s (claimed) | 92-95 | 78-82 |
What You Can Learn From Trump’s Scores
Donald Trump’s golf scores tell us more than just how many shots he takes. They show patterns in how he plays, what choices he makes on the course, and how he does under pressure.
By looking at his scores from different games, we can learn helpful things both for regular golfers and people who study sports numbers.
When we look at how he scores on different types of golf courses and what decisions he makes while playing, we can understand what helps him play well.
Senator Graham’s detailed account of Trump’s 73 at Trump National revealed: “On the back nine, he was 1 over, 2 over at the most. He had one birdie on the back, and just really hit the ball well. On the front, he made four 10-to-12 footers for par.”
Statistical Scoring Patterns
Examination of available scorecards and playing partner accounts reveals consistent statistical tendencies:
| Metric | Trump’s Average | Single-Digit Senior Average | Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greens in Regulation | 9.5 | 7.2 | +2.3 |
| Fairways Hit | 8.2 | 7.8 | +0.4 |
| Putts Per Round | 31.4 | 32.1 | -0.7 |
| Par-5 Scoring Relative to Par | -1.8 | -0.9 | -0.9 better |
| Par-3 Scoring Relative to Par | +0.9 | +0.7 | +0.2 worse |
These patterns indicate Trump maximizes scoring opportunities on par-5 holes while demonstrating above-average green-hitting ability, suggesting effective long-game mechanics compensate for less exceptional short-game performance.
Does Trump Cheat at Golf
Some people have said Donald Trump doesn’t always follow the rules when he plays golf.
Golf partners, caddies, and even golf experts have shared stories about strange things they’ve seen during his games.
A sportswriter named Rick Reilly wrote a book called Commander in Cheat, where he shared many of these stories. Some of the things people say Trump did include:
The “Invisible Dunk” – Some say he pretended to hit a chip shot without a ball, then walked to the hole and said it went in.
The “Quick Rake” – He sometimes picked up the golf ball and said the putt was good, even when it was still far from the hole.
Ball Movement – People say he moved his ball from a bad spot to a better one to make the next shot easier.
One golfer, Mike Tirico, said he hit a great shot toward the green, but when he got there, his ball was in a sand trap and he believed it may have been moved.
These stories have caused many people to question how honest Trump is during his golf games.
According to Tirico, Trump’s caddie later told him, “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.” Golf.com
Bryan Marsal, Winged Foot member, shared this interaction: “We go to the first tee and he couldn’t have been nicer. But then he said, ‘You see those two guys?
They cheat. See me? I cheat. And I expect you to cheat because we’re going to beat those two guys today.'”
Trump consistently denies these allegations, stating: “I never touch the ball.” Some defenders suggest that what might appear as cheating is simply a casual approach to recreational golf, common among business players where the social experience outweighs strict adherence to rules.
Which President Was The Best Golfer
Golf has long been a presidential pastime, with 17 of the last 19 presidents playing the game. This places Trump in a tradition of golfing commanders-in-chief.
| President | Reported Handicap | Notable Golf Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | 2.8 | Claims 19 club championships |
| Joe Biden | 6-8 | Played into his 80s |
| Barack Obama | 13 | Played 333 rounds while in office |
| George W. Bush | 10 | Known for very fast play |
| Bill Clinton | 10 | Famous for liberal use of “mulligans” |
| John F. Kennedy | 7 | Considered among the best presidential golfers |
| Dwight Eisenhower | 8 | Installed putting green at White House |
If Trump’s handicap claims are accurate, he would rank as the most skilled presidential golfer in modern history.
Donald Trump isn’t the only president whose golf skills have been questioned. People have also wondered if the golf handicaps of Presidents Clinton and Biden are really true.
One of the most golf-loving presidents was Dwight Eisenhower. He played over 800 rounds of golf in just 8 years and even built a putting green at the White House! He didn’t have amazing skills, but he truly loved the game.
President John F. Kennedy (JFK) didn’t play golf as often, mostly because of health issues, but many people say he had the best natural golf talent.
He had a smooth swing and was said to have a handicap of 7, which is very good.
How Many Golf Courses Does Donald Trump Own
Trump’s commitment to golf extends far beyond playing. Through his business empire, he has acquired an impressive portfolio of golf properties worldwide:
| Year Acquired | Trump Golf Property | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Trump International Golf Club | West Palm Beach, FL | First Trump golf property |
| 2002 | Trump National Golf Club | Westchester, NY | $50M renovation |
| 2006 | Trump National Golf Club | Bedminster, NJ | Hosted 2022 LIV event |
| 2008 | Trump National Golf Club Doral | Miami, FL | Former PGA Tour venue |
| 2012 | Trump International Golf Links | Scotland | Built on protected dunes |
Right now, the Trump Organization owns 17 golf courses around the world. These golf courses are in places like the United States, Scotland, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates.
Many of these courses hold big golf events, including tournaments from LIV Golf, which brings in a lot of money for Trump’s business.
Trump has spent a lot of money on building and buying golf courses more than $1 billion! Some of his golf courses, like Trump Turnberry in Scotland, are considered some of the best in the world.
How Often Did Trump Play Golf During His Presidency
When Donald Trump was president, how often he played golf was talked about a lot. Records show that he played golf about every 4 days, with around 300 rounds during his 4 years in office.
That’s more often than the president before him, Barack Obama, who played about 333 rounds in 8 years or about once every 9 days.
Interestingly, during the 2016 election, Trump said he wouldn’t play much golf if he became president because he’d be “too busy.”
Trump primarily played at his own properties during his presidency, with the majority of rounds occurring at:
- Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach
- Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia
- Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey
The estimated security and travel costs associated with presidential golf outings became a subject of political debate during Trump’s term.
His preference for playing at his own properties also raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Has Trump Won Legitimate Golf Tournaments
Donald Trump says he has a golf handicap of 2.8. That would make him one of the top 1% of golfers who don’t play professionally which is very rare, especially for someone who is 78 years old.
But some people question if that’s true. The USGA’s official system shows that Trump hasn’t posted a golf score since June 2016, so we don’t know his current official handicap for sure.
A 2.8 handicap means he would usually score about 75 on a normal golf course, where par is 72. Most regular golfers never get that good.
Here are some things to think about when looking at Trump’s handicap:
Experts’ Opinions: Golf coaches and other players say Trump is a strong golfer for his age, but not everyone agrees his handicap is that low.
Age: It’s hard to keep such a low handicap at 78. If true, it puts him with the best older golfers.
Where He Plays: Trump mostly plays at his own golf courses, which might be set up easier than tournament courses.
No Score Updates: Since he hasn’t posted scores in a long time, there’s no proof the 2.8 number is still correct.
Would Donald Trump Beat an Average Recreational Golfer
The average male golfer in the U.S. has a handicap of around 16, scores in the 90s on a par-72 course, drives the ball about 215–220 yards, and makes 5–6 pars per round.
In comparison, Donald Trump, based on video evidence and expert analysis:
- Drives the ball around 230 yards
- Shows solid iron play and ball-striking
- Has a decent but limited short game
- Putts with a unique style and mixed results
If both played by official rules, Trump would likely win by 10–15 strokes due to better consistency and shot quality. However, the gap is narrower in putting and short game.
Key factors that affect the matchup:
- Course difficulty: Trump’s edge grows on tougher courses
- Tee selection: Age-appropriate tees level the field
- Rules enforcement: Strict rules can change outcomes
- Age: Trump is 78; most average golfers are younger
Overall, Trump’s skills would give him the upper hand in a full round.
What Are The Personality Characteristics Of A Professional Golfer: What the Pros Say
Professional golfers who have played with Donald Trump help us understand how good he really is at golf.
One of the most popular videos shows Trump playing with Bryson DeChambeau, a famous golfer who has won the U.S. Open twice. The video has been watched by millions of people.
In July 2024, Trump and DeChambeau played a fun team game called a “scramble,” starting from the forward tees (closer to the hole). Together, they finished the round with a score of 50 which is 22 shots better than par!
During the game, DeChambeau was honestly surprised and said, “This is pretty impressive. I didn’t expect this.”
Other notable professional assessments include:
- Jack Nicklaus (16-time major champion): Has reportedly claimed Trump loves golf more than money and respects his dedication to the game.
- Lindsey Graham (Senator and frequent golf partner): “He has a nice, compact swing and he can get it up and down from jail. He’s very accurate with his drives and hits his irons consistently. He hit the ball on the screws almost every time.”
Golf coach Paul Elvin summarized Trump’s abilities relative to his age: “Considering his age, it’s a very good golf swing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Donald Trump ever played with professional golfers?
Yes, Donald Trump has played golf with many famous professional golfers. Some of them are Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Lexi Thompson, and Jack Nicklaus.
How many golf courses does Donald Trump own?
The Trump Organization owns 17 golf courses around the world. These golf courses are in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates.
Is Trump considered a good golfer for his age?
Yes, at 78 years old, Trump displays above-average golf skills for his age demographic. His ability to generate power and maintain consistent ball-striking is particularly notable for a golfer in his late 70s.
Did Trump really win 19 club championships?
Donald Trump says he has won 19 club championships. But some golf writers don’t believe all of them were real tournaments. They think some wins were in casual games or didn’t follow the usual tournament rules.
Who is the best golfing president in history?
If we believe the handicap numbers, Donald Trump would be the best golfer among all U.S. presidents with his 2.8 handicap. John F. Kennedy had a 7 handicap, and Dwight Eisenhower had an 8, and they are also known as very good presidential golfers.
How does Trump’s golf game compare to Biden’s?
Joe Biden claims to have played to a 6-8 handicap earlier in life, while Trump claims a 2.8 handicap. Both claims have faced skepticism from golf experts.
Based on age and recent playing frequency, Trump likely has the current advantage.
Conclusion: So Is Donald Trump Actually Good at Golf
If you ask people who have played golf with Donald Trump, look at the facts, and listen to what golf experts say, you’ll see that he’s actually a pretty good golfer.
Most likely, he plays at a handicap somewhere between 4 and 8. That’s solid. It puts him ahead of most weekend golfers, which shows he’s definitely put a lot of time into the game over the years.
Now, Trump says he has a 2.8 handicap. That’s super low like, almost pro-level. And honestly, that part’s probably a stretch. Not many believe he plays that well under real tournament rules.
The truth is, he’s not the golf legend his biggest fans want him to be, but he’s also not terrible like some of his critics say. He’s clearly someone who loves the game and has real skill.
So yeah, he’s good. Just maybe not that good.
How Good Is Donald Trump At Golf ACTUALLY?
Post Reference:
How Good Is Donald Trump At Golf? Major Champion Reveals The Truth