Trump's Golf Skills Seen as Reflection of His Character

WHO:

Alternet - Rick Reilly, author of "Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump," discusses Trump's golf game.

TMZ - Senator Eric Schmitt, a Missouri senator, claims Trump does not cheat at golf.

WHAT:

Alternet - Trump has played golf for more than 26 percent of the days of his second term.

Alternet - Reilly describes Trump as having a "pancake swing" and "the yips," indicating a lack of commitment to his shots.

Alternet - Reilly claims Trump cheats at golf, stating, "If he's going to cheat you at golf, is he going to cheat his friends and family? He's going to cheat the country."

Alternet - Trump's golf course was cited for health violations, including a "large quantity of small flies" and food items stored above the required temperature.

Alternet - The health inspection report noted blue cheese at 54 degrees, sausage links at 51 degrees, and improperly stored raw steak, fish, and burgers.

Alternet - Trump has been renovating Washington DC's public golf courses, making them unaffordable for most golfers.

Alternet - The National Links Trust's 50-year lease with the National Park Service was terminated by Trump, which they dispute.

WHERE:

Alternet - Trump National Golf Club Washington D.C. was the location of the health inspection.

Alternet - The National Links Trust manages public golf courses in Washington D.C.

WHY:

Alternet - Reilly suggests that Trump's behavior in golf reflects his character and potential behavior in other areas of life.

HOW:

Alternet - Reilly describes witnessing Trump’s golf cheating firsthand, including a moment when Trump claimed a ball that went into a lake had "hit the tee marker."

Alternet - Health violations were identified during an inspection of Trump's golf course restaurant, including improper food storage practices.

(UPDATED August 7, 2026 04:00 UTC)

Rick Reilly, author of "Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump," recently discussed Trump's golf game, claiming that Trump has played golf for more than 26 percent of the days during his second term and suggesting that his behavior on the course reflects his character. Reilly described Trump's swing as a "pancake swing" and noted that he has witnessed Trump cheat, including a moment when Trump insisted a ball that went into a lake had "hit the tee marker." Additionally, a health inspection at Trump National Golf Club Washington D.C. revealed serious violations, such as improperly stored food items, which have raised concerns about the management of the golf course.