Golf and the presidency rarely overlap much, yet Donald Trump has made the sport a defining part of his identity. He treats it as more than a hobby, weaving it into headlines, diplomacy, and conversation.
Few leaders name specific athletes as personal friends so openly, but Trump does that whenever golf comes up. His willingness to call out star players by name has turned casual comments into lasting news stories.
Trump reveals his circle of golf friends
Trump made the remark on Fox News Channel’s show called The Five earlier this year, during a lighthearted segment. He said he has so many friends who are professional, top-level golfers on tour today.
The president named four players on the spot without much hesitation, rattling off each name quickly. Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau, and Scottie Scheffler all made his personal list of golfing friends that day.
Trump often mentions these names in interviews, speeches, and casual conversations with reporters. He also posts photos with the pros after their rounds, showing off the friendships to his large social media following.
Rory McIlroy and the Doonbeg bond
Trump’s Doonbeg course in County Clare hosted the Amgen Irish Open for the first time in September 2026. Defending champion Rory McIlroy gave his backing to the venue after DP World Tour officials asked for his opinion.
President Trump flew into nearby Shannon aboard Air Force One before traveling by Marine One helicopter to watch Saturday’s third round. McIlroy said the visit created logistical challenges but brought international attention to Irish golf.
McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Masters in April 2025, becoming the sixth golfer in history to reach that rare milestone shared by only a handful of great legends.
Tiger Woods holds a special place
Woods has had a long public association with Trump and remains one of golf’s most recognizable players. Trump has repeatedly praised Woods, including describing him as “a great guy” during a 2026 interview with Fox News host Trey Gowdy.
Their relationship stretches back many years, including rounds of golf and public appearances. Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, recognizing his career and achievements in golf.
Woods has played fewer competitive events in recent years, while Trump has continued to speak positively about him in public. In August 2026, Trump again called Woods “a great guy” while discussing his preferred golf foursome.
Bryson DeChambeau ties to Trump golf
Bryson DeChambeau secured his first major championship at the 2020 U.S. Open, showcasing exceptional skill and dominance by winning with an impressive 6-stroke margin at the prestigious Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
His celebration afterward took place at Trump National Golf Club Westchester, roughly 20 miles north of Winged Foot, where Eric Trump greeted him warmly as a conquering champion during a memorable evening at the club.
DeChambeau later became chairperson of a newly reconstituted presidential council focused on sports, fitness and nutrition, an advisory group tied closely to the current White House administration and its wellness initiatives across the nation today.
Scottie Scheffler earns high presidential praise
Trump has called Scheffler one of the great pros playing today. Scottie Scheffler has actually spent 174 consecutive weeks at World No. 1, bringing his overall career total to 207 weeks at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.
During the Fox News interview, host Trey Gowdy asked Trump about his dream golf foursome, and, separately, Trump called Scheffler simply “so great” without hesitation, a remark that spread quickly across several media outlets.
Scheffler has said Trump calls or texts him personally after big tournament wins. Trump also attended the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage, where Scheffler praised the president’s genuine passion for golf.
Trump enlists pros for course design
Trump has enlisted golf legend Jack Nicklaus to help redesign the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews, the large military base in nearby Maryland where Air Force One is usually parked between overseas presidential trips.
Nicklaus is a retired professional golfer and golf course designer with a long record of course-design work. Trump has publicly praised Nicklaus and described him as someone he loves and considers great.
The redesign effort shows how Trump blends his personal golf friendships with official government projects, turning casual relationships into practical, lasting partnerships that extend very far beyond the physical boundaries of the golf course itself.
White House visits and public honors
Trump often invites professional golfers to visit the White House, mixing politics with sport in ways few other modern presidents have attempted during their time in the nation’s highest office.
Pros like DeChambeau and Gary Player have appeared together at official White House events, posing for photos on the South Lawn while curious children and staff members watched the scene unfold up close.
South African golfers Retief Goosen and Ernie Els have also visited alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa, showing how golf quietly connects Trump to world leaders and star athletes from countries scattered all across the globe.
Business ties behind the friendships
Trump owns or operates golf properties in the United States, Scotland, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates, giving him a business presence in several major golf markets. His golf properties have also hosted professional tournaments and players.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has said golf is one of the 2 things Trump enjoys, alongside building. Lutnick described Trump as someone who works throughout the day but plays golf on weekends.
Trump has also played golf with professional players, including Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler. His golf properties have hosted professional events, creating opportunities for interactions between Trump and players within the sport.
Little-known fact: Trump spent years opposing plans for an offshore wind farm near his golf course in Aberdeenshire, arguing that the turbines would damage views from the property.
TL;DR
- Trump named Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler among his professional-golfer friends during a 2026 appearance on Fox News’ The Five.
- McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2025 Masters, becoming the 6th man to win all 4 major championships.
- DeChambeau won the 2020 U.S. Open at Winged Foot and later celebrated the victory at Trump National Golf Club Westchester.
- Scheffler remains the World No. 1-ranked men’s golfer and has appeared at White House events.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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