Bedminster, New Jersey — Former President Donald Trump’s latest claim of golf glory has sparked renewed skepticism, drawing attention to a history of controversies associated with his golfing achievements. In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump announced that he has captured the Bedminster Club Championship, dominating both the Senior and Super Senior divisions with a score of 70, two strokes under par on the 72-par course.
Trump, now 80, attributes this latest success to his innate golfing talent rather than practice, noting that his busy schedule limits his time on the course. He suggested that his competitors simply do not possess the same level of skill. The former president shared a clip showing his supposed winning shot, which he described as “clinching.” In the video, a voice congratulated him on his low score, adding to the air of triumph.
However, analysts and critics immediately began to question the authenticity of his claim. Concerns arose regarding the footage, with some suggesting the possibility of remote-based interventions or strategic positioning aiding the ball’s trajectory. Additionally, many noted that the ball did not actually enter the hole, reinforcing concerns about Trump’s documented tendency to call for putts that others might consider misses. Observers speculated that achieving a score of 70 under typical conditions would be improbable without significant assistance, such as utilizing forward tees.
This marks what Trump refers to as his 43rd club championship, part of a long list of triumphs he has declared over the years. Critics pointed out that most of these wins occurred exclusively at courses he owns, further questioning the legitimacy of his accolades. Social media users have pointedly remarked on this pattern, with comments suggesting a dissonance between Trump’s claims and the competitive integrity usually found in golf.
Skepticism surrounding Trump’s golfing performances stretches back years. In his 2019 book, a widely acknowledged sportswriter detailed various incidents that have raised eyebrows. The book recounts a situation in which Trump allegedly struck a ball into a pond, only for it to reappear on the fairway, with Trump attributing its return to tidal movements.
Insiders have recounted similarly dubious episodes. At Winged Foot, members reportedly gave him the nickname “Pele” due to his habit of repositioning balls with his foot. A former caddy disclosed that Trump admitted to understanding cheating as commonplace in the sport, suggesting a casual acceptance of ethical lapses in golf. In another incident, a caddy’s claim of ownership over a ball on the green raised eyebrows among witnesses.
Even close allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, have suggested irregularities in Trump’s golfing prowess. During a sworn testimony, Graham noted that while Trump might not lead in distance, no one could outdrive his caddy, hinting at dubious practices in their games.
Amidst the stir caused by his latest claim, Trump’s history in celebrity golf tournaments continues to haunt his assertions. Competing in the 2006 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, he finished 62nd out of 80 competitors, far exceeding par over three rounds. This result frequently resurfaces in discussions about his claimed golfing accolades, serving as a contrasting benchmark for his skill.
Other instances have also raised eyebrows. In early 2025, members at Trump International West Palm Beach were astonished to see Trump’s name atop the leaderboard ahead of the Senior Club Championship’s final round, despite his absence from the initial competition. He was found to have substituted a score from a different round, provoking further discussions about his transparency in golfing achievements.
Trump’s interactions with professional golf organizations have been similarly contentious. The PGA Tour withdrew a significant event from Trump National Doral in 2016, relocating it after sponsor support dwindled. After the Capitol riots, the PGA of America also moved the 2022 PGA Championship from Bedminster, demonstrating a growing rift related to his brand.
As Trump continues to celebrate victories at his own properties, the questions surrounding the credibility of those achievements remain robust, echoing a long history of intrigue and scrutiny that has followed him throughout his life.