Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney recalls his competitive golfing days with Trump while shedding light on the former president’s unique relationship with the sport.
Tee Time with Trump: Business and Play on the Golf Course
Tee Time with Trump: Business and Play on the Golf Course
Donald Trump's golfing endeavors intertwine competition and connections, shaping his presidency unlike any other.
Donald Trump’s recent golfing excursion in Scotland reflects not just a passion for the game, but an opportunity to engage in business dealings with influential figures. With over 40 rounds played alongside key political allies, Trump's approach to golf mingles competition with strategic networking.
Mulvaney shared his experiences with the former president, describing several nail-biting rounds where Trump would rally back to win, highlighting his fierce competitive spirit. While other presidents have utilized golf as a break from their duties, Trump has transformed it into a significant business strategy—using golf courses as venues for both recreation and fruitful negotiation.
Owning several golf properties, Trump has faced financial ups and downs. His Balmedie course in Scotland has struggled financially, marking its eleventh consecutive year in the red, while Turnberry reportedly thrives with significant profits.
Golfing not only serves as leisure for Trump; it is also a platform for engaging with world leaders. His rounds have facilitated discussions ranging from global issues to personal rapport, showcasing golf's role as a means of diplomacy.
Trump’s chosen partners are typically influential figures, from politicians to corporate leaders, with whom he builds relationships on the greens, away from media scrutiny. His history with golf stretches back decades, with tales of his tournament successes often met with skepticism regarding their authenticity.
Despite mixed reviews on his golfing terminology and conduct—some calling him a “notorious cheat”—those who have played with him, like Mulvaney, express that his love of the game unduly shapes their experience.
In sum, Trump’s golfing pursuits maintain a blend of enjoyment and strategic importance, shaping connections that are both personal and professional in nature. As a past-time for the elite, golf continues to be a crucial aspect of Trump's identity, yielding discussions that extend beyond the fairway.
