Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm in the golfing community by boldly claiming an impressive +3 handicap at his Bedminster club and maintaining a +2.2 at West Palm Beach's Trump International.
The Elite Golf Claim
In what many professional golfers would consider elite territory, Trump's self-reported handicap would place him among the sport's top amateur players. The revelation comes from official USGA records, showing the former president consistently reporting scores that would challenge even seasoned professionals.
Expert Skepticism
Golf analysts and professionals have expressed widespread doubt about these figures. Achieving and maintaining such low handicaps requires consistent tournament-level performance, something critics argue doesn't align with Trump's public golfing appearances and advanced age.
The Membership Factor
Unlike most amateur golfers, Trump's handicap is calculated primarily through play at his own courses, where he holds memberships at multiple properties. This unusual arrangement has raised questions about the verification process and whether the same standards apply as for regular club members.
A Pattern of Golf Excellence Claims
This isn't the first time Trump's golf abilities have made headlines. Throughout his presidency and beyond, he has frequently portrayed himself as an exceptional golfer, once even suggesting he could have turned professional.
The ongoing debate touches on broader questions about how handicap systems can be manipulated and the verification processes at private clubs. As the golf world continues to scrutinize these claims, one thing remains clear: Trump's golf game continues to generate as much discussion as his political career.
