At a Republican presidential campaign rally held last month in Rome, Georgia, former political director for Donald Trump’s administration and aspiring congressman, Brian Jack, spun an intriguing tale. He hesitantly revealed that only a few weeks prior, Trump had outperformed two pro golfers, claiming to have hit a 70 over 18 holes but refraining from sharing the names of the other participants.
Following this event, Trump announced that he had emerged victorious in both the club championship and the senior club championship at his namesake golfing complex based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Though it might seem dubious, renowned golfer, Jack Nicklaus, unexpectedly endorsed the claims by presenting Trump, now aged 77, with the Trump International 2024 most improved golfer of the year award. This endorsement seemed akin to Commodus, the former Roman emperor, claiming an undefeated gladiatorial record at the Colosseum; it was manifested reality because he decreed it.
Being arguably the most celebrated golfer in the United States, ever since the decline of Tiger Woods, Trump was welcomed like a star when he showed up at Doral last Sunday. He was greeted with spontaneous applause from a fervent crowd and had impromptu chats with top golfers during practice sessions at the putting green and driving range.
With fawning handshakes and forced grins, notable golfers including Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Bryson DeChambeau heaped compliments on him, seemingly oblivious to the constant flow of offensive and racially charged comments that characterise his political discourse.
Potentially ignorant of Trump’s true beliefs, as was the noticeably naive 27-year-old Rory McIlroy when he decided to play a round with him back in 2017, they appear to disregard his disparaging remarks about immigrants, claims of adulation from African Americans, and many other controversial comments. Possibly, these golfers, DeChambeau included, were just grateful that Trump, informally nicknamed Pele for his frequent ball-kicking, wasn’t participating in the LIV tournament, where his golfing expertise could potentially put them to shame.
When Trump took to the challenging Bedminster field, he outshone 47 out of 48 pro cards with a final score of 67, just two weeks after their last Tour. Furthermore, only six rounds of the 144 played that week by the LIV roster triumphed his performance. This certainly is a feat that could make Kim Jong-il, famously known for his 11 holes-in-one, red-faced. This performance begs the question if the elegant Saudis should not only have Trump as a host but also a participant in their flashy tournaments.
Trump’s potential re-election to his second term in office this coming November might actually explain the continued adulation many from the traditionally Republican sport continue to show him, regardless of his increasingly radical political stance. For these people, being on the politically right course seems to be valued more than being on the right side of history. But this is a jigsaw of golf’s persistent issues with Trump. The main thing is the familiarity aspect. Currently, he is the game’s biggest attraction.
Even the average sports fan can recall that the America’s 45th President recently claimed victory in two club championships, supported by widespread images of him and Nicklaus. However, these very same individuals would struggle to name the champions of several PGA Tour events this year. Austin Eckroat? Jake Knapp? Chris Kirk? Mathieu Pavon? Great players, yet covert winners.
The Masters is the solitary weekend in the year that the entire attention of American viewers is on golf. With the conclusion of March Madness, the NFL in its off-season, baseball just about beginning, and the endless NBA play-offs yet to start.
The Augusta National, with its colourful streams due to food dye, various botanical illusions and controlled television broadcast, looks lavish on screen. For many around the world, the event and its recognisable theme music represent the arrival of spring. There’s a lure that the sport wants to use to pull people in, but some underlying issues persist beyond the aspect of competing tours. The sport is experiencing a significant identity crisis as it heads towards the renowned Amen Corner.
The crowd magnetism that once came with figures like Woods, and to some degree Phil Mickelson, has somewhat faded for those who took up the sport due to their influence. The subsequent golfers’ generation just doesn’t stir up much enthusiasm. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s leading golfer for almost twelve months can meander through New York city without a hint of recognition.
He’s an undisputed talent, yet too low-key to draw much attention beyond devoted fans. The average golf enthusiast can barely differentiate between Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Top ten ranked players such as Jon Rahm, Patrick Cantlay, and Wyndham Clark also remain somewhat invisible to them.
Golf’s major predicament has been grappling with the inevitable dip in attention after the Tiger era. The fragmentation of the sport couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time. Hence, the PGA Tour launching the disconcerting $100m Player Impact Program (PIP), to incentivise players who generate maximum interest through Google searches and media mentions.
Despite the drastic move, what the sport needs are compelling characters and narratives that spark the intrigue that’s desperately needed. How they could benefit from another flamboyant, attention-seeking golf figure who delights in conflict and self-publicity in the US!