Former U.S. President Donald Trump is widely recognized for his passion for golf. Owning numerous golf courses globally and frequently participating in games during and after his presidency, Trump has become a notable figure in golf circles. However, a less flattering aspect of his time on the course has also gained attention — persistent reports from journalists and golf insiders alleging that he frequently bends the rules of the game. These claims have led some golf club insiders to bestow upon him a tongue-in-cheek nickname: “Pele,” likening his alleged use of his feet to the legendary Brazilian soccer player.
Trump’s Longstanding Involvement with Golf
Donald Trump’s association with golf predates his political career. According to the Trump Organization, he owns or operates over a dozen golf properties, including in the United States, Scotland, and Ireland. He has often highlighted his involvement in the sport, not just as a hobby, but as a symbol of luxury and business success.
During his presidency, Trump’s golf outings became a topic of public interest. Media outlets, including The Washington Post and CNN, tracked his visits to golf clubs and estimated he played hundreds of rounds while in office. Critics pointed out that some of these visits coincided with significant national or international events, but Trump maintained that golf helped him stay active and conduct informal meetings.
Allegations of Cheating on the Golf Course
While Trump often claims to have won numerous golf club championships, the legitimacy of some of these victories has been questioned by sports journalists and golf partners.
One of the most prominent critics is Rick Reilly, a veteran sportswriter and author of the 2019 book Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump. In the book, Reilly outlines a series of incidents where Trump allegedly did not adhere to standard golf etiquette or rules. Reilly claimed that Trump’s victories often took place under questionable circumstances, including reports of him playing rounds alone and later declaring himself the winner of tournaments.
In an interview with MSNBC and Golf.com, Reilly reiterated these allegations, describing scenarios where Trump reportedly moved his ball to more favorable positions or claimed scores that were not witnessed by others. He also claimed that Trump had been observed taking “mulligans” — do-overs in casual golf — without acknowledgment during competitive rounds.
However, these claims have been firmly denied by Trump’s representatives. In 2024, campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed the allegations, stating that critics like Reilly were politically motivated and lacked credibility. Cheung asserted that Trump’s golf skills and accomplishments were genuine and pointed to his ownership of elite golf courses as evidence of his deep involvement in the sport.
The “Pele” Nickname and Its Origin
Despite the denials, the culture within some golf clubs suggests that Trump’s style of play has become a running joke among certain insiders. At Winged Foot Golf Club in New York — where Trump has been a member — some caddies reportedly nicknamed him “Pele” because they often observed him using his foot to move the golf ball, according to a report by Golf.com.
Bryan Marsal, a longtime member of Winged Foot and chair of the 2020 U.S. Open hosted at the club, told Golf.com about a personal experience playing with Trump. Marsal recalled Trump joking at the start of the game that all players should “cheat” to ensure they beat the opposing team. Marsal clarified that Trump may have viewed this banter as part of a lighthearted approach to informal games, rather than a serious breach of rules.
According to Marsal, Trump seemed to operate under the assumption that everyone bends the rules in friendly games, and therefore viewed it as a level playing field. This interpretation, however, contrasts sharply with golf’s deeply rooted culture of self-regulation and honesty.
Trump’s Championship Claims Under Scrutiny
Trump has often stated that he has won numerous club championships, including senior events at courses he owns. However, questions have arisen around the circumstances of these wins.
For example, The Palm Beach Post reported in early 2023 that Trump claimed victory in a tournament at his Jupiter, Florida, course, even though no witnesses or competitors could confirm seeing him play during the event. Trump responded by stating that he had played an excellent round earlier and that his score was submitted accordingly.
In Rick Reilly’s account, Trump once explained how he managed to “win” club championships by being the first to play on a newly opened course — alone — and then declaring himself the winner. Reilly claimed that Trump was transparent about this approach during their conversation, presenting it as an unconventional but acceptable method.
While such practices may not violate any formal rule at a privately owned course, they diverge from the traditional structure of competitive golf tournaments, which rely on direct competition, oversight, and verified scoring.
Perspectives from Industry Insiders
The discussion around Trump’s golfing habits has sparked broader debates about sportsmanship and integrity. Jack O’Donnell, former vice president of Trump Plaza Casino and son of a prominent golf course developer, also shared anecdotes with Golf.com suggesting that Trump regularly repositioned golf balls during play. According to O’Donnell, one colleague who played with Trump humorously noted that he adjusted his ball’s position on nearly every shot, except the tee-off.
Golf, known for its culture of honor and self-governance, places a strong emphasis on playing by the rules. Violations — even informal — are often frowned upon within serious golfing communities. While Trump’s defenders argue that friendly matches allow for leniency and flexibility, critics maintain that the former president’s actions diminish the sport’s core values.
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump’s involvement in golf is indisputable. He is one of the most prominent political figures associated with the sport, both as a player and course owner. His passion for golf has shaped part of his public identity, with both supporters and critics weighing in on his behavior on the course.
The nickname “Pele,” reportedly used by caddies at Winged Foot, illustrates how some insiders perceive his approach to the game. Whether seen as a humorous label or a critique of his sportsmanship, the nickname reflects ongoing conversations about Trump’s unique style of playing golf — one that blends competitiveness, confidence, and controversy.
Sources:
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Trump Organization (trumpgolf.com)
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Golf.com interviews and reporting
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The Palm Beach Post
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People Magazine
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The Washington Post
