PGA Tour professional Sam Burns has shared his experience playing a round of golf with former President Donald Trump, offering a concise two-word description of the former president’s demeanor on the course. Trump, a well-known enthusiast of the sport, has often faced scrutiny regarding his dedication to golf versus his presidential duties, particularly given his extensive ownership of golf courses worldwide.
Donald Trump’s Golfing Profile
The former president’s passion for golf is widely documented. Trump owns a significant portfolio of golf properties, including multiple courses in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, the UAE, and other parts of Asia and the Middle East. His involvement in the sport extends beyond playing; he is a prominent figure in golf course development and ownership.
Recent Victory and Allegations
In a notable instance, Trump claimed victory at the Bedminster Club Championship, held at one of his namesake courses in New Jersey. Following this win, he posted on social media, attributing his success to innate talent and limited practice time due to his presidential responsibilities. He stated, “I won with a score of 70, and am so honoured 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!”
However, this claimed victory, like many of Trump’s golfing achievements, has been met with skepticism and accusations of cheating from some observers and golf fans. Online commentary often reflects a belief that his on-course successes are not entirely genuine. For example, one widely shared sentiment suggested, “Watched him live for years, listened to his caddies stories. Everyone around him allows him to cheat out of fear. Nothing he does is genuine. All his ‘feats’ are fake, and he actually feels special.”
Further fueling these suspicions, video footage from the competition emerged, prompting reactions such as, “Lol 100% that golf ball is remote controlled! Those bounces are not normal.” Another viewer commented, “That ball had a string:) or front brakes.” Despite these persistent allegations from the public, fellow golfers and celebrities who have played with Trump have generally not publicly corroborated claims of unsportsmanlike conduct during their rounds.
Sam Burns’ Perspective
Sam Burns, an accomplished golfer on the PGA Tour, had the opportunity to play golf with Donald Trump. When asked about the experience and Trump’s game, Burns provided a candid assessment. He described Trump as “brutally honest,” a characteristic that seems to align with Trump’s public persona and perhaps implicitly counters the notion that his game is consistently misrepresented.
Burns elaborated on the interaction, noting, “People ask, ‘What’s he like?’ He’s exactly how you’d think he would be. He’s exactly what you see on TV: brutally honest. He’s very open; you can pretty much ask him anything.” This suggests that Trump’s on-course personality is consistent with his public image, characterized by directness and openness.
The golfer also highlighted Trump’s genuine enjoyment of the sport. “And he loves golf. He has some really funny stories, so it’s pretty cool to listen to,” Burns recalled. He mentioned engaging Trump with questions, which were met with forthright answers. “I asked him some stuff. I wasn’t sure if he would answer or not, but he did.”
Security and Atmosphere on the Course
Burns also touched upon the unique atmosphere surrounding a golf outing with a former president, particularly concerning security. He described the presence of numerous support vehicles and personnel. “On any hole, there’s close to 20 carts. If you’re paying attention and looking, you’ll see snipers, Secret Service everywhere,” Burns observed.
This heightened security presence created a notable contrast, leading Burns to reflect on the environment. “It’s funny, [because] I don’t know if this is the safest place or the most dangerous place in the world to be. I think it’s kind of both at the same time.” This observation underscores the complex reality of security protocols that accompany a former head of state, even in a recreational setting.
Conclusion
Sam Burns’ account provides a personal glimpse into playing golf with Donald Trump, characterizing him as “brutally honest.” This description, coupled with observations about Trump’s passion for the game and the significant security detail present, offers a nuanced perspective on the former president’s golfing experiences. While public speculation about Trump’s golfing integrity continues, those who have played with him, like Burns, often describe a direct and engaged personality.
