President Donald Trump has proclaimed himself winner of the Bedminster Club Championship once again, capturing both the Senior and Super Senior divisions with a reported score of 67 on Aug. 2, 2026. The 80-year-old president posted the announcement on Truth Social, accompanied by video footage showing what he described as a tournament-winning chip shot landing near the hole on the green.
Trump credited the victory to natural ability rather than practice, noting he has little time to work on his game while managing other responsibilities. He stated that his success stems from possessing talent that his competitors lack.
The Bedminster course carries a par of 72, making his claimed 67 a five-under-par performance. A voice in the video praised Trump for securing victories in both age categories with that score, calling the moment amazing.
Online Critics Question the Win
Social media erupted with skepticism almost immediately after the announcement. Frame-by-frame analysis of the video led some viewers to suggest the ball’s movement appeared unnatural, with speculation ranging from remote-control devices to a discreet foot nudge. Others pointed out the ball never actually fell into the cup, a detail consistent with Trump’s established practice of conceding putts when the ball rests nearby.
One observer argued that Trump’s swing mechanics could not possibly generate a 67 unless he benefited from shortened tee positions. The account MeidasTouch remarked on X, “So weird that he only wins at his own courses.” Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois weighed in as well, calling Trump “what a baby.”
Trump has now accumulated what was characterized as his 43rd club championship. Over the years, he has publicly claimed more than 20 such titles, and during an exchange with businessman Mark Cuban, he stated he had won 18 of them.
A Long History of Golf Controversies
Accusations surrounding Trump’s conduct on golf courses stretch back years. Sportswriter Rick Reilly compiled extensive allegations in his New York Times bestseller “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” which cataloged numerous questionable episodes. Reilly documented one incident where a ball Trump struck into a Los Angeles pond somehow reappeared in the fairway, a shift Trump explained by citing tidal forces.
Caddies at Winged Foot, where Trump is a member, nicknamed him “Pele” because they regularly witnessed him kicking his ball into better positions, according to Reilly. Bryan Marsal said Trump openly admitted to him that he cheats and assumes everyone else does too. In another episode detailed by Golf.com, Trump’s caddie insisted a ball on the green belonged to Trump instead of businessman Ted Virtue’s son, despite eyewitnesses stating otherwise.
Even Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a longtime ally and regular golf companion, appeared to acknowledge irregularities during sworn testimony. Graham testified that although other players might outdrive Trump, his cart seemed to move at exceptional speed between shots.
The Tahoe Performance That Told a Different Story
Critics frequently cite Trump’s appearance at the American Century celebrity tournament in Tahoe as evidence contradicting his claimed abilities. Playing at a neutral venue, he finished 62nd out of 80 celebrities after shooting 52 over par across three rounds. Social media users have repeatedly highlighted that result as revealing his actual skill level.
His championship claims have sparked controversy before. In January 2025, members at Trump International West Palm Beach discovered his name leading the Senior Club Championship leaderboard despite his absence from the opening round. He had substituted a score from an earlier round that week for the one he missed, then celebrated the triumph as a great honor on social media.
Trump’s relationship with organized professional golf has experienced difficulties as well. After sponsor Cadillac withdrew, the PGA Tour relocated a prominent tournament in 2016 from Trump National Doral to a venue in Mexico City. The PGA of America shifted the 2022 PGA Championship from Bedminster to Southern Hills in Tulsa four days following the Capitol riot.
Trump operates 18 golf facilities around the globe, with 12 located in the United States and three in Florida. Victories at those properties continue accumulating, as does the skepticism greeting each announcement.