When it comes to golf, former President Barack Obama isn't afraid to swing both ways. During a 2020 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Obama offered his take on President Trump's game—and it came with a playful jab that still resonates today.
"Listen, from what I understand, he's actually a pretty good golfer," Obama said. "I understand that, shockingly enough, there are sometimes problems with the scoring and whether he's keeping track of his strokes."
That comment, though delivered with a smile, cut deep into a narrative that has long surrounded Trump's golfing prowess. The president, now 80, has repeatedly touted his achievements on the links, claiming more than 40 club championships, including a recent victory at his Bedminster, New Jersey, course where he shot a final-round 70 and swept both the Senior and Super Senior divisions.
Trump's own social media posts have added fuel to the fire. "It's called TALENT, and I have it," he wrote, "and they don't!"
But Obama isn't the only one casting doubt. The late Senator Lindsey Graham once echoed similar sentiments, noting that while you might outdrive Trump, "you're not going to outdrive his caddy. It is what it is."
The debate over Trump's golf game has become a recurring theme in sports and political circles, especially as he continues to log dozens of rounds each year at his numerous clubs worldwide. His affinity for the game has even drawn comparisons to other bold figures in sports, like NASCAR's Kyle Larson, who recently attempted a grueling double-header—a feat that echoes Trump's own high-stakes approach to competition.
Trump's golfing habits have also intersected with his political life in other ways. His administration's push to boost the Pro Football Hall of Fame's global appeal shows his willingness to engage with sports on a larger scale, even as his own game remains a topic of debate.
Meanwhile, Obama's remarks have aged well, becoming a touchstone for those who question whether Trump's scores are as impressive as he claims. The former president's comment wasn't just a dig—it was a reminder that in golf, as in politics, perception often matters as much as reality.
For now, Trump continues to boast about his golfing abilities, and his supporters remain loyal. But with Obama's words lingering in the air, the question of whether the president's game truly matches his bravado remains open—and entertaining—for sports fans everywhere.
