After their sparring match on an Atlanta debate stage, there might be a more suitable arena for the former and sitting president to settle their quarrels: the golf course.
Biden and Trump faced off in their historic first debate of the election year on Thursday evening, broadcast to millions of CNN viewers worldwide. Despite Biden taking a swing at his Republican counterpart, a CNN flash poll indicated that 67% of respondents believed Trump came out on top.
Amid rambling responses and the spread of misinformation, discussions descended into trash talk, with Biden challenging Trump to a “driving contest.” Biden, 81, who boasted a handicap of six—later changing it to eight—said he’d happily take on Trump on the golf course, but only if Trump carried his own bag. The 78-year-old Trump, who once claimed a handicap of 2.5, retorted, “I’ve seen your swing,” adding, “that’s a lie.”
Trump’s life outside the political sphere has become synonymous with entertaining socialites and PGA legends while playing golf. Despite his criticism of predecessor Barack Obama for playing 18 holes, Trump himself played over 300 rounds during his time in office and declared himself the “best golfer of all the rich people.” He currently owns 16 golf courses worldwide and appears to play regularly, likely giving him an edge over Biden.
On Thursday evening, Trump touted his own fitness—both physically and mentally—and said he was in as good shape as he had been 25 years ago, perhaps “even a little bit lighter.” He also bragged about winning two golf club championships three months ago at his West Palm Beach, Florida, golf club.
However, Trump’s claims should be taken with a grain of salt. In his 2019 book Commander in Cheat, sportswriter Rick Reilly detailed Trump’s alleged cheating on the golf course, earning him the nickname “Pelé” from caddies for kicking the ball around like the Brazilian football icon.
Reilly also accused Trump of winning tournaments he didn’t actually compete in, stealing opponents’ balls, and doctoring scores. This phenomenon is dubbed the “Trump Bump.”
While considering a bid for the White House in 2015, Golf Digest suggested Biden could be “the best golfing president in history,” rivalling John F. Kennedy. But since taking office, unlike Trump, Biden has spent less time on the green. Once an avid golfer during his vice-presidential years, Biden earned a handicap of 6.7 according to the United States Golf Association. However, he hasn’t listed a score since 2018. A 2022 clip from a Virgin Islands holiday shows his swing is still impressive for his age.
Trump, however, dismisses Biden’s golfing prowess. “He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards,” Trump claimed. “He challenged me to a golf match—he can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”
Biden’s campaign team released a five-minute golf-themed video last month ahead of the November election, but Biden was only briefly shown putting a ball and not taking a proper swing.
Analyzing the evidence, Trump may be the bookies’ favorite if a bet were placed. Golfer Bryson DeChambeau, winner of two major championships and a friend of Trump, offered to help the pair settle the argument by playing a match on his YouTube channel. Perhaps this is the only way we’ll know for sure.