During his traditional Thanksgiving address, the president of the United States, Donald Trump, found a moment to talk about one of his favourite topics: golf. At 79 years old, the leader does not hide his passion for this sport, nor does he miss the opportunity to recall his personal achievements on the courses that, in many cases, are his property, such as the iconic Turnberry in Scotland.
In a video call with military members, Trump was asked about a possible duel on the course with his predecessor in the Oval Office, Joe Biden, an idea that already sparked controversy during the last election campaign.“I would love it,” he replied. “I’ve invited him, but he doesn’t want to show up.” Immediately afterwards, the president went on to assert his level as a player.
“I’ve won 38 club championships, and I can barely practise. I won one last year, defeating a 27-year-old guy,” he recounted. According to Trump, the generational gap was no excuse: “I told him: ‘I’m decades older than you, but the fairway doesn’t know your age. Me down the middle, you in the rough’.”
Aware of the cheating accusations that have followed him in recent years, the US leader wanted to clear up any doubts: “Club championships are our majors. I’ve won 38, all legitimate. They have to be, because in these tournaments, a lot of people follow you.”
The debate about his handicap, however, remains ongoing. Trump claims that, following his most recent victory in an internal championship, it should be “around scratch or better. “I barely trained, was going through a lot, and still beat a +3 handicap player,” he stated. “I’m a good golfer,” he concluded, with his usual lack of modesty.
While the United States celebrated the holiday, the president made it clear once again that for him, the White House may be his office… but golf remains his favourite territory to compete and boast.
