Trump's Golf Diplomacy
President Trump Showcases Close Relationships With Golf's Top Professional Athletes
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Key Points
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Bryson DeChambeau celebrated his first U.S. Open victory in 2020 at one of Trump’s golf properties in New York, in addition to playing rounds with Trump and appearing at the White House.
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South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen joined President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delegation in the Oval Office in May 2025. Trump praised both men and also singled out Gary Player when discussing South Africa’s golfing tradition.
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Trump awarded Gary Player, regarded as one of golf’s greatest players, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, highlighting that his relationship with professional golfers has also included formal national honors.
President Trump spent the weekend at his Doonbeg, Ireland resort watching Shane Lowry win the Irish Open by a record-breaking 11 strokes NTD. The moment showcased Trump's deep ties to professional golf — a world where he counts Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler among his close associates. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said golf is one of Trump's primary forms of recreation, alongside his passion for building.
Trump has formalized these relationships in multiple ways: awarding Gary Player the Presidential Medal of Freedom, inviting top pros to the White House, and sharing photos with them on social media Record Patriot. Bryson DeChambeau celebrated his 2020 U.S. Open victory at Trump's New York golf property and served as chairman of Trump's reconstituted President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Record Patriot.
An 11-Shot Victory at Trump's Irish Links
Shane Lowry dominated the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, securing his second title with an 11-shot margin NTD. The victory was the largest winning distance in recent tournament history. Lowry's win delighted the home crowd and a cheering President Trump, who watched from the gallery.
Trump's Star-Studded Relationships Across Golf
Trump has cultivated friendships with nearly every major name in professional golf. He frequently posts photos with Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler on social media Record Patriot. These relationships extend beyond casual rounds — Trump invites top players to the White House and honors them with national recognition.
DeChambeau's Rise and Washington Influence
Bryson DeChambeau has become one of Trump's closest golf partners. DeChambeau won his first U.S. Open in 2020 at Trump's golf property in New York Record Patriot. He has also played multiple rounds with Trump and visited the White House. In 2025, Trump appointed him chairman of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Presidential Honors for Golf's Greatest
Trump has used his office to formally recognize professional golfers. He awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Gary Player, regarded as one of golf's all-time greats Record Patriot. In May 2025, when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Oval Office, Trump singled out Player for praise and also lauded golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
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