Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, is well known for his extensive investments in luxury real estate and hospitality, including a portfolio of golf courses. Trump owns or manages golf properties in nearly 16 countries, (he owns 14 and operates another five), according to vox.com, establishing a global presence in the sport. His courses are not only situated in the United States but also span various regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Europe, Puerto Rico, and Indonesia. These properties are marketed as luxurious destinations offering championship-level golf experiences, often tied to high-end resorts and residential developments.
Some of Trump’s most notable golf properties include Trump Turnberry in Scotland, a historic course with a storied past, and Trump National Doral Miami, which hosts prestigious tournaments. In the UAE, Trump International Golf Club Dubai is a centerpiece of luxury in the Middle East, while in Indonesia, planned developments are tied to upscale tourism ventures. Each property showcases the Trump Organization’s emphasis on opulence, with meticulously designed courses, lavish clubhouses, and premium amenities.
Despite their grandeur, many of Trump’s golf properties have struggled financially in recent years. Tax records reveal that a significant portion of these businesses has been operating at a loss. For instance, both Trump Turnberry and Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen, Scotland, have faced financial challenges, exacerbated by controversies surrounding the properties’ environmental impact and political associations. Similarly, Trump National Doral has also posted notable losses, despite its high-profile tournaments and branding.
The losses have been attributed to several factors, including high operating costs, the financial strain of maintaining world-class facilities, and shifting market conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these difficulties by reducing travel and leisure activity worldwide. While the Trump Organization continues to promote these courses as premier destinations, their financial viability remains under scrutiny.
Interestingly, Trump’s Puerto Rico property, Trump International Golf Club Puerto Rico, filed for bankruptcy in 2015 before he severed ties with it. This adds to the narrative of how challenging it can be to manage such sprawling luxury assets profitably.
Overall, Trump’s golf courses are a mix of prestige and financial complexity. While they symbolize luxury and global reach, they also highlight the challenges of sustaining profitability in an industry heavily reliant on affluent clientele and economic stability.
Donald Trump is bringing a new energy to the world of golf, and courses across the globe are abuzz. Politicians are picking up their clubs to connect with the golfer-turned-president-elect, while professional players eagerly anticipate the chance to share a round with him.
MAKE GOLF GREAT AGAIN?
In South Korea, President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office recently confirmed that the leader has taken up golf. This move is reportedly inspired by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s successful use of golf diplomacy during Trump’s previous term in office. Abe’s approach highlighted the sport as a unique platform for fostering international relationships, a legacy Yoon appears eager to emulate.
While there is hope that POTUS will end the PGA-LIV impasse and heads of states are preparing for dogged diplomacy an old best seller raises worrying questions about the golfer president.
BENDING THE RULES OF GOLF
Donald Trump’s relationship with golf has long been a topic of fascination and controversy. While he portrays himself as an avid and accomplished golfer, stories and accounts from fellow players, caddies, and observers have painted a different picture. Numerous allegations suggest that Trump routinely bends the rules on the golf course to his advantage, making him infamous for what some call “creative scorekeeping.”
Several high-profile golfers and celebrities, including professional players like Rick Reilly, author of Commander in Cheat, have detailed instances of Trump moving his ball to more favorable lies, taking extra strokes without accounting for them, or using his status to influence the game. These anecdotes often highlight his tendency to prioritize winning—even in friendly rounds—over fair play.
Caddies and staff at Trump-owned courses have also shared stories of his questionable tactics, such as claiming improbable scores or taking liberties with hazards and penalties. Despite these allegations, Trump continues to present himself as a skilled golfer, having awarded himself numerous club championships at his courses.
While Trump’s approach to golf may amuse or frustrate those who play with him, it underscores a broader commentary on his personality: a relentless drive to win, no matter the rules.
