Golf has long been synonymous with relaxation and leisure for many, but for former President Donald Trump, it serves as both a competitive challenge and a strategic networking opportunity. This weekend, Trump is in Scotland, inaugurating a new golf course near Balmedie in Aberdeenshire, a venture that embodies his dual focus on the sport and the business of golf.
The nuances of Trump’s golf game can be understood through the experiences of his former White House chief of staff, Mick Mulvaney, who recounted a dramatic golfing encounter with Trump back in 2019 at the president's Bedminster club. Despite Mulvaney leading by a stroke with only three holes remaining, Trump turned the tide by birdying two of the next three holes, ultimately winning the game. This turbocharged competitive spirit is consistent with how many around Trump describe his approach to the sport.
Unlike past presidents who used golf as an escape from the stresses of their office, Trump has structured the game around his business interests. Golf is not merely leisure; it is a strategic tool that allows him to cultivate high-profile connections vital to both his business pursuits and political strategies. Mulvaney noted Trump’s intolerance for slow play, emphasizing that anyone not keeping up would quickly find themselves uninvited.
Veteran golf journalist Kevin Brown shared an encounter with Trump during a game at the Balmedie course, illustrating the former president's singular focus. While players admired the picturesque scenery, Trump was already ahead—mentally engaged with the business aspects of the game. Brown noted Trump's expansive knowledge of golf, reflecting his long-standing passion for the sport.
Since acquiring his first golf property in Florida in 1999, Trump has aggressively expanded his golf empire, amassing eleven courses in the US and several others globally. This expansion includes ambitious plans for new resorts across countries like Oman and Indonesia. However, not all of his golf courses have proven financially viable. As recent reports indicate, Trump's Balmedie course has succumbed to significant financial losses for over a decade, starkly contrasting with the profitability seen at Turnberry, another of his UK courses.
Despite his ups and downs with local authorities, particularly regarding land use disputes, Trump remains undeterred in pursuing golf’s prestigious properties. Turnberry has long been an emblem of his ambition, having hosted multiple British Open championships historically; Trump aims to reinstate its reputation as a premium tournament venue.
Trump’s golf outings have become coveted events for influential figures, as diplomatic discussions often take place away from public scrutiny, merging business with leisure in an exclusive setting. Golf outings have featured various heads of state, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, fostering international relations amid competitive play. These interactions have sometimes yielded significant discussions on global issues while reflecting Trump’s transactional style.
While much about Trump’s golf game is shrouded in anecdote and speculation, his own accounts of his golfing prowess raise eyebrows. Critics claim his championship titles tend to stretch credibility, with allegations of a propensity for cheating circulating through golf circles. Nonetheless, those close to him, like Mulvaney, insist that despite the competitive atmosphere, Trump’s deep-rooted enthusiasm for the game predated his presidency and continues to thrive in his post-political life.
For Trump, the golf course remains a sanctuary where business and competition converge, revealing a complex interplay between sport and strategy that underscores his continued influence as he navigates the post-presidency landscape.
