A viral clip showing Donald Trump playing golf in Scotland has ignited debate over whether the former US president broke the sport's rules. The footage appears to show an aide discreetly dropping a ball in a favourable position near a bunker, prompting accusations of cheating.
The Stop Trump Coalition, which protested against Trump in Scotland, seized on the moment. A spokesperson said: 'Cheating at golf is a long way from Trump’s worst crime – but it does show the problem. Instead of calling it out, the powerful play along. His approach to golf is the same as his approach to business – and to politics.'
Golf experts caution against concluding Trump was cheating. A source familiar with the R&A, one of golf's governing bodies, noted Trump could argue he was practising or playing casually. However, the incident has been deemed a poor look for a sport striving to attract a younger audience.
Commentator Andrew Cotter described the ball drop as 'dodgy looking' and 'a bit of a covert operation'. US sportswriter Rick Reilly, author of a book critical of Trump's golfing integrity, said on X: 'Well I’m just personally very disappointed in him.'
At the Women’s Open in Porthcawl, Wales, fans and players emphasised the importance of honesty in golf. Dame Laura Davies highlighted that golf is one of the few sports where players referee themselves, citing Justin Thomas calling a penalty on himself. One fan, Liz Gray, said: 'I hated the clip. Golf is trying to shake off its fusty image and Trump doesn’t help.'
