It's not every day you see a 22-foot golden statue of a sitting president on the fairway, but that's exactly what's happening at President Trump's Doral golf course in Florida. And the reaction from the regulars? Let's just say it's anything but unanimous.
The towering statue, installed ahead of a PGA Tour event last month, has become an instant landmark. Trump himself couldn't be happier, telling a friend that people are snapping selfies with it nonstop. But the golfers who actually play there have a more nuanced take.
Jorge Garcia, a two-year regular at the course, couldn't help but crack a smile. "It's amazing," he said, clearly joking. "If I owned a course, I'd do it myself, but bigger." He quickly added, "I'm kidding." Not everyone is laughing, though. Another golfer, Andrea, defended the move, saying, "It's his course. It's his property. I wouldn't put one in my home, because it's not my thing."
Others are more relaxed about the whole thing. One player shrugged it off, noting, "At the end of the day, it's golf. It's meant to be casual and fun." That sentiment seems to capture the mood of many who just want to enjoy the game without getting caught up in the politics.
This isn't the first time Trump has made headlines in the sports world. He's been vocal about NFL rule changes and streaming's impact on football. And his granddaughter Kai has been making waves in college golf after recovering from wrist surgery. But this golden statue is a different kind of statement—one that's literally larger than life.
The statue was unveiled during a ceremony with Christian and Jewish clergy, adding a layer of solemnity to an otherwise flashy spectacle. Trump, turning 80 this summer, seems to relish the attention. But for the golfers at Doral, the question remains: Does this belong on a golf course?
Some see it as a harmless bit of fun, a photo op that adds character to the course. Others find it a bit much, even for a man known for his bold moves. Yet, most agree that golf should stay lighthearted. Whether you love it or hate it, the statue is definitely a conversation starter.
As one golfer put it, "It's his property, so he can do what he wants. But I'm here to play golf, not to make a political statement." That pretty much sums up the divide. The statue might be golden, but the opinions on it are anything but solid.
