President Trump's latest addition to his Trump Doral resort in Florida is turning heads for all the wrong reasons. A towering 22-foot gold-leafed statue of the two-time and current U.S. president has been installed just in time for this week's PGA Tour event, the Cadillac Championship. But instead of generating excitement, the statue is creating an awkward vibe on the driving range.
The statue, which stands 15 feet tall on its own and reaches 22 feet with its pedestal, was commissioned by the cryptocurrency group $PATRIOT and created by artist Alan Cottrill. It depicts Trump's iconic fist-pump pose from an assassination attempt in the summer of 2024, a moment that has become a rallying cry for his supporters. But not everyone is eager to celebrate it.
According to Golfweek, the statue has become the main talking point at the course, which is hosting its first PGA Tour event in a decade. However, the buzz isn't all positive. When a tournament photographer asked PGA Tour staff if they wanted a group photo by the statue, the response was a collective, "No." The photographer reportedly replied, "Ok, I didn't know you were all so woke."
The incident highlights a growing divide around the statue, which some see as a political statement rather than a celebration of golf. Massive Gold Statue of Trump Leaks Ahead of PGA Tour Return to Doral earlier this month, and it's clear the controversy hasn't faded.
The timing couldn't be more awkward. The Cadillac Championship marks a major return for Trump Doral, which hasn't hosted a PGA Tour event in 10 years. But instead of focusing on the golf, all eyes are on the gold statue. 9 Top Golfers to Skip PGA Tour's Trump National Doral Event have already opted out, and the statue is only adding to the tension.
President Trump, known for his love of attention, likely doesn't mind the controversy. The statue is a bold statement, but for PGA Tour staff and some players, it's a distraction they'd rather avoid. As the tournament tees off, the question remains: will the golf or the gold dominate the conversation?
With the statue already causing issues, it's clear that Trump Doral's return to the PGA Tour spotlight is anything but smooth. Whether the controversy will impact the event's success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this statue isn't going unnoticed.
