Swinging for Success: How Trump Masters Golf and Making Deals on the Green

Mick Mulvaney once thought he could beat Donald Trump on the golf course. Back in 2019, while playing at Trump’s Bedminster club, Mulvaney was ahead by one stroke with just three holes to go. He playfully told Trump, “I got you today, old man.” Trump, with his typical mix of charm and competitiveness, just smiled. He then managed to birdie two of the next three holes, ultimately beating Mulvaney by two strokes.

Mulvaney, who was with Trump in the White House for three years, played golf with him around 40 times but never won. He described it as “soul-crushing.” Trump has often used golf not just as a pastime, but as a key part of his business life and networking strategy, especially during his presidency. While other presidents have seen it as a relaxing escape from their duties, for Trump, the game is all about competition and making connections.

Golf has provided Trump with opportunities to engage with leaders and influential people. For example, after golfing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, they developed a close friendship. The two played five rounds together, which helped strengthen their relationship during his presidency.

In a recent outing, Trump played with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. They won a club tournament together, during which they discussed global issues like the war in Ukraine. This highlights how golf serves not just as recreation, but also as a platform for discussing significant matters.

Trump owns several golf courses, including 11 in the U.S. and three in the U.K. Despite some financial struggles—like his Balmedie course losing $1.83 million in 2023—his Turnberry course made a profit of about $5 million that same year. This shows the varying success of his properties.

Golf clubs are prestigious, attracting wealthy individuals, which aligns with Trump’s interests. A round at Turnberry can cost around $1,350. The exclusivity of such places allows people to network and solidify business ties in a more relaxed setting.

When it comes to Trump’s golfing skills, opinions vary widely. Some say he’s a solid player; others, including journalist Rick Reilly, claim he cheats. Reilly’s book highlights instances where Trump allegedly moves his ball for better shots, raising eyebrows about his championship claims.

Mulvaney insists that while golf is a way for Trump to connect, it remains a personal passion for him. “This is golf,” he says, emphasizing its importance in Trump’s life before and after his presidency.

For better context, it’s interesting to note how golf has evolved from an elite pastime to include a wider audience, marking significant social changes. Today, golf is still seen as a valuable networking tool, but it’s gradually welcoming more diverse players as time goes on.

As Trump continues his golfing ventures, both his success on the course and his business endeavors will be closely watched, reflecting his enduring connection to this age-old sport.



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