President-elect Trump recently hosted PGA Tour champion Dustin Johnson at Trump International Golf Course, where they played a round together. Johnson’s brother, Austin, shared photos and videos of the round on Instagram, which showed the brothers watching Trump take practice swings before sending the ball straight toward the hole. Trump’s golf game has been a well-documented aspect of his lifestyle and presidency, as he has played with various top golfers and political allies. Johnson is one of many golf stars who have endorsed Trump and participated in rounds of golf with him, including Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau. This particular round took place shortly after Trump’s celebration party to mark his 2024 re-election victory, attended by Johnson and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky.
The Trump family’s connection to golf extends beyond the president himself, as seen with his granddaughter, Kai Trump. The 17-year-old has been sharing photos and videos of her golf outings with her grandfather, including rounds at various Trump-owned golf courses. Kai recently played at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, one of her and her grandfather’s favorite courses, where she shared that she had listened to voicemails from Trump. The close family bond is evident in their shared love for the sport, as Kai recounts humorous anecdotes about her grandfather’s late-night phone calls. The presence of golf in the Trump family’s life is further emphasized by the recent news that South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has taken up practicing his golf game in anticipation of a forthcoming meeting with President-elect Trump, highlighting the sport’s role in international diplomacy.
President Trump has a history of playing golf with elite athletes and political figures, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Republican Senators like Rand Paul and David Perdue. His golf outings with prominent sports figures like Dustin Johnson have been a common occurrence during his time in office. Johnson, the former world No. 1 golfer, has been playing with Trump since 2017 and was present at his recent victory celebration party. The camaraderie between Johnson and Trump extends beyond the golf course, as Johnson’s connection to the Trump family through his marriage to Wayne Gretzky’s daughter, Paulina, adds another layer of personal connection. The endorsement of Trump by golf stars like Johnson, along with his interactions with other top athletes, showcases a blend of sports, politics, and personal relationships in his public life.
The recent interactions between the Trump family and prominent golfers like Dustin Johnson and Kai Trump underscore the role of golf as a unifying factor for the family and its connections. Kai’s social media posts of her golf outings with her grandfather highlight the close bond they share over the sport and provide glimpses into their shared experiences on the golf course. Trump’s longstanding presence in the world of golf, both as a player and as a host to top golfers, adds another dimension to his public image and relationships with athletes. The upcoming meeting between President-elect Trump and South Korean President Yoon further emphasizes the diplomatic significance of golf in international relations. The sport not only serves as a recreational activity but also as a tool for forging connections and fostering relationships on a global scale.
The influence of golf on the Trump family and their interactions with other notable figures like Dustin Johnson and South Korean President Yoon highlights the multifaceted role of the sport in their lives. From casual rounds with family members to high-profile outings with world leaders and professional athletes, golf serves as a common ground for building personal connections and fostering diplomatic relationships. The shared passion for golf between the Trump family and their guests, such as Johnson and Yoon, transcends political boundaries and cultural differences, providing a platform for bonding over a mutual love for the game. As President-elect Trump prepares to meet with Yoon and other world leaders, the sport of golf continues to play a significant role in shaping international relations and strengthening ties between individuals from diverse backgrounds.