Donald Trump Faces Cheating Allegations in Golf

West Palm Beach, Florida, July 29, 2025

News Summary

A viral video has surfaced showing Donald Trump allegedly cheating during a game of golf, reigniting discussions about his integrity in the sport. Known for owning numerous golf courses and his controversial behavior on the golf course, Trump has faced allegations of rule-bending. This incident adds to the scrutiny of his golfing reputation and relationship with the PGA Tour, which has become increasingly strained over the years. Trump’s ties to LIV Golf have also been a focal point, as his properties host several events in this competing league.

West Palm Beach, Florida – In July 2025, a video surfaced online showing Donald Trump allegedly cheating during a game of golf, sparking widespread debate on social media about his integrity in the sport. The footage, which quickly went viral, reignites long-standing discussions surrounding Trump’s reputation as a golfer and his history of bending the rules on the course.

Trump, a prominent figure in both politics and business, is also known for his extensive involvement in golf. He owns 18 golf courses globally, including 12 in the United States, with notable properties in Florida such as Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Doral. His relationships with many professional golfers have ranged from endorsements to participation in charity tournaments, though his playing style and conduct have come under scrutiny.

Throughout his golfing career, Trump has faced allegations of cheating. These claims gained notable attention with the publication of Rick Reilly’s 2019 book “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” which describes Trump’s propensity to manipulate the rules. For example, he has been accused of moving his ball after hitting a shot, a practice that has reportedly earned him the nickname “Pele” among caddies at Winged Foot, where he is a member. This nickname is a reference to his habit of kicking his ball to improve his position on the fairway.

In one particularly controversial incident, Trump claimed victory at the final round of the Senior Club Championship at his Trump International West Palm Beach course without competing in the first round. He garnered attention after announcing this accomplishment on social media and celebrating what he called an honor, sparking questions about the validity of his claim.

Trump’s relationship with the PGA Tour has also faced significant strains. His ire was particularly evident in 2016 when the tour moved the World Golf Championship from his Doral course to Mexico City, leading to disparaging remarks about Mexico. This strained relationship deepened when the PGA of America pulled the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump’s Bedminster course in response to the Capitol riot involving Trump’s supporters in January 2021.

Following these incidents, Trump aligned himself with LIV Golf, a new league that competes with the PGA Tour and frequently hosts events at Trump’s properties, reportedly increasing both his enterprises’ revenue and the league’s prominence. His connections to golfers like Jack Nicklaus and Bryson DeChambeau, who have spoken positively about Trump’s abilities while exercising caution, underscore the complexity of his reputation in the sport.

In addition to golf controversies, Trump’s family members have also made headlines in the sport. In July 2025, his granddaughter, Kai Trump, achieved notable success at a South Florida PGA event, tying for third place and demonstrating the family’s continuing ties to the game.

Trump’s golf courses and clubs offer a variety of memberships, some being open to the public while others are private, reflecting the exclusive nature of golf at his establishments. His golf properties have garnered attention not just for their luxurious amenities but also for their associations with LIV Golf events, which continue to be hosted at Trump National Doral, now in its fourth consecutive year.

Despite the controversies surrounding his golfing practices, Donald Trump’s affinity for the sport remains evident as he continues to engage in golf through his businesses and personal experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked the recent controversy regarding Trump and golf?

A viral video showing Trump allegedly cheating at golf reignited discussions about his conduct on the golf course.

How many golf courses does Trump own?

Trump owns 18 golf courses globally, including 12 in the United States, with three located in Florida.

What claims have been made about Trump’s golfing practices?

Trump has faced allegations of cheating, including bending the rules excessively, as detailed by Rick Reilly in his book “Commander in Cheat.”

What incident occurred during the Senior Club Championship?

Trump topped the leaderboard in the final round despite not playing the first round, claiming an earlier score to justify his position.

How has Trump’s relationship with the PGA Tour evolved?

Trump’s relationship with the PGA Tour soured after the tour moved a major event from his Doral course to Mexico City, along with the PGA pulling the 2022 Championship from Bedminster.

Feature Details
Golf Courses Owned 18 golf courses worldwide, 12 in the U.S.
Current Controversy Allegations of cheating in golf, resurfacing after viral video
Notable Publications Rick Reilly’s “Commander in Cheat”
Relationship with PGA Tour Strained; PGA moved events from Trump properties
Connection to LIV Golf Host of LIV Golf events; financially beneficial partnership

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