Donald Trump is facing a fresh wave of criticism over his golf game after proudly declaring himself the winner of two club championships — and sharing a video that he called his “winning shot.”
The president took to Truth Social after competing Sunday, August 2, at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, where he claimed victory in both the Senior Men’s and Super Senior Men’s Club Championships.
Trump said he finished with a score of 70 and used the post to once again boast about his golfing ability, while taking a swipe at the other players.
“The Winning Shot in the Bedminster Club Championship! Thank you very much to all of those who participated. I won with a score of 70, and am so honored in that, unlike the rest of the field, I’m given very little time to practice, because I’m focused on many other things.
“It’s called TALENT, and I have it, and they don’t! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
But instead of simply celebrating the victory, Trump’s post immediately reignited a long-running debate over his reputation on the golf course.
Critics quickly flooded social media with accusations that Trump has benefited from questionable rulings or manipulated his scores during past rounds. Some also focused on the video he posted, claiming they believed the footage raised even more questions about what happened during the championship.
One X user wrote: “Look how fake that st is when the ball just puts the brakes on. What a fking loser and cheater.”
Another questioned: “Did it ‘automatically’ count as ‘going in the hole’? Just being in the general area?”
A third joked: “They’re using majestic 12 alien tech on the golf balls.”
Elsewhere, another user claimed: “Video exists of his caddie moving the ball for him. Just saying.”
Another commenter argued that Trump’s “cheating is well documented” and described it as not merely “blatant” but “off the scale by all accounts.”
And one person asked a question that has become a recurring theme whenever Trump celebrates a golf victory: “Funny. How many has he won NOT at his golf courses?”
Trump has repeatedly touted his golf record, including claiming dozens of club championship victories. He has also previously celebrated winning both the Senior and Super Senior championships at Bedminster.
In 2023, Trump announced another victory on Truth Social, writing: “For some reason, I am just a good golfer/athlete – I have won many Club Championships, and it is always a great honor!”
The latest win has once again brought attention to allegations that have followed Trump for years.
Sportswriter Rick Reilly devoted an entire book, Commander in Cheat, to allegations surrounding Trump’s golf game.
The former Sports Illustrated columnist detailed how Trump allegedly kicks balls out of the rough and bunkers, takes multiple mulligans, and misrepresents his scores — behavior that reportedly led caddies to nickname him “Pelé.”
Trump has strongly denied accusations that he cheats.
Reilly wrote: “At Winged Foot, where Trump is a member, the caddies got so used to seeing him kick his ball back onto the fairway they came up with a nickname for him: Pelé.”
Reilly’s criticism of Trump is particularly striking because the two have known each other for years, and the writer has admitted that he once found the billionaire almost likable.
“I liked him as a writer because he’s a crazy fabulist who tells lies so big they can float in the Macy’s parade. He’s great copy. If he says, ‘Can you be here tomorrow for an interview?’ I’d be on the red eye. I would do anything to get that interview but if I had to play golf with him again, and it wasn’t for an article, I’d never do it.”
Trump’s golfing reputation has also been discussed by celebrities and professional athletes over the years. LPGA star Suzann Pettersen was reported to have accused Trump of cheating in 2018, while actor Samuel L. Jackson made similar accusations in 2016.
Questions about Trump’s golf victories have resurfaced repeatedly, particularly because many of the championships he has won have taken place at clubs he owns.
Trump has reportedly accumulated more than 40 victories in club championships, although the exact number and how those wins should be counted have been disputed by critics and golf commentators.
The controversy also isn’t limited to Bedminster. A video from Trump playing golf in Scotland previously attracted attention online after viewers claimed it appeared to show his caddie moving or dropping a ball closer to the hole.
Trump, however, has continued to celebrate his golf accomplishments — and his latest post made it clear that he has no intention of backing away from his belief that his success comes down to one thing:
“It’s called TALENT, and I have it, and they don’t!”
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