It’s no secret that Donald Trump and golf are inseparable! On a hilarious note, it’s incredible how the president’s ex-daughter-in-law found solace in Tiger Woods’ arms, which shows how the name Trump and golf share an unbreakable magnetism. The President of the United States is known for his insatiable appetite for hitting the greens, with his Trump Organization owning over fifteen golf courses globally. Now that he’s back at the helm of the world’s top job, golf enthusiasts can’t help wondering how his presidency will impact his favorite sport. Join us as we delve into this timely topic.
Trump’s Relationship with Golf
Trump’s obsession with golf dates back to his days as a college student at Fordham University. His 2005 book The Best Golf Advice I Ever Received articulates his passion for the sport, “for me and millions of people—men, women, young and old around the world—golf is more than a game. It is a passion.” The golfer-in-chief opened his first golf course in 1999 – the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach in Florida, and has since established many luxurious golfing properties globally across the U.S., Scotland, Ireland, and Dubai, with new courses sprouting up in locations like Indonesia.
Trump’s golf courses have hosted many reputed events, such as the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Junior Girls Championships and the LPGA Tour finale from 2001 to 2008. The PGA of America also announced a multi-year partnership with the Trump Organization in 2014, but his joining politics led to the controversial relocation of scheduled events like the 2015 PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the 2022 PGA Championship. Naturally, that didn’t sit well with Trump, who seemed to shift his allegiance to LIV Golf. Several of the Saudi-backed tour’s tournaments have taken place at Trump golf courses, including Trump National Washington, D.C., Trump Doral, and Trump Bedminster.
Trump also enjoys close relationships with many professional golfers and has played rounds with icons like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson. In July 2024, the president made headlines in golfing circles when an hour-long YouTube video of him playing 18 holes with Bryson DeChambeau hit the web. Trump reportedly boasts a 2.8 handicap and is rumored to have played over 300 rounds of golf during his first term in office.
What A Trump Presidency Means for Golf
As a keen golfer and someone who owns multiple golf properties globally, many industry stakeholders feel that a Trump presidency could benefit the sport overall, although there are some concerns. Some of the key highlights include:
Accelerated PGA TOUR – LIV Golf Talks
LIV Golf’s introduction caused a major stir in professional men’s golf, with the Saudi league poaching big names like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from the PGA TOUR. In June 2023, a framework agreement was announced between the PGA TOUR and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, but no formal deal has been reached to date. Nonetheless, Trump is reportedly working round the clock to bring about the reunification of golf and have the best players in the world playing together more often.
So far, he has met several key golf executives at the White House, including PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan, LIV Golf Chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and PGA Player Directors Adam Scott and Tiger Woods. Recently, the golf industry has witnessed some good news like the U.S. Open and The Open Championship granting LIV Golf exemptions, bringing back the competitiveness we all love to see in golf.
Enhanced American Diplomacy
As a shrewd businessman and politician, Donald Trump is known to make most of his meaningful connections through golf. For instance, he reportedly played golf with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, five times, bringing the two leaders and their respective nations close. Since Trump won a second term in office, the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, is reportedly working hard on his golfing skills to maximize on any potential encounters with Trump.
Trade Tariffs
A potential concern with the Trump presidency is his sweeping tariffs on imports, especially considering that the golf industry relies heavily on global manufacturing networks. For instance, a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the USA may directly affect golf equipment manufacturers, who have been leveraging the lower production costs in China and Southeast Asia. Even apparel brands may be affected, which could see golf enthusiasts paying more for new equipment and accessories. The golf industry may also experience delays in product launches as companies rework their supply chains.
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump is a man who passionately loves golf. His second term in office comes at a great time for the sport, as we witness futuristic leagues like TGL and the New Infinity Women’s Golf Tour popping up. While the president has indicated his commitment to reunifying golf and making the sport great again, concerns are ripe regarding his trade tariffs and what that might do for the golfing business side of things. Nonetheless, a lot can happen in four years, and we hope he will do all he can to make the golf industry thrive.