President Donald Trump found himself genuinely impressed by a group of collegiate athletes this week, but it wasn't on the gridiron or the hardwood. The sport that captured his attention? Golf. During a White House celebration for NCAA national champions, the former president couldn't hide his astonishment when he learned about the elite skill level of the Oklahoma State men's golf team.
Trump hosted over 100 collegiate titleholders at the executive mansion for NCAA Collegiate National Champions Day. Among the honorees were the defending national champion Cowboys from Oklahoma State, whose golf prowess prompted some presidential double-takes. The interaction provided a rare moment where sports, politics, and genuine admiration intersected under the White House roof.
"That's Good Stuff": Presidential Praise for Plus Handicaps
During the festivities, Trump engaged with the golfers and inquired about their handicaps—the numerical measure of a golfer's potential ability. What he heard left him both surprised and impressed. "I meet all these golfers over here. I said, 'what are your handicaps?' 'Plus four, plus five even.' That's good stuff," Trump remarked. "He actually said 'higher than that.' I said, 'you got to be kidding me, right?' That's great. Great. Congratulations. Great team."
For those unfamiliar with golf handicaps, a "plus" handicap indicates a player who typically shoots better than the course rating—an elite level of play far beyond recreational golfers. These collegiate athletes operate at a professional-caliber skill level, which clearly resonated with the golf-enthusiast president.
Trump's Own Golf Game and Professional Respect
The president's appreciation for fine golf comes from personal experience. According to the Golf Handicap Information Network, Trump carries a 2.8 handicap himself—a respectable number that places him well above average. However, his game has drawn scrutiny from some fans who question the accuracy of that figure.
Despite any skepticism, Trump has earned respect from some of golf's biggest names. World-class players like Scottie Scheffler have praised his demeanor on and around the course. "He's one of those guys when you're around him, he does such a good job of, like, feeding confidence into everybody around him," Scheffler observed. "He treats everybody the same and treats people with the utmost respect. Whether you're the person serving us lunch or the caddie on the golf course or the guy who's the president of the club that we're at, he treats everybody like they're the greatest person in the world."
This isn't the first time Trump's golf connections have made headlines. Recently, his distinctive on-course style generated massive social media buzz, proving that everything surrounding the former president draws attention.
The Bigger Picture: Golf's Athletic Debate
The White House event highlights an ongoing conversation in sports about what constitutes an athlete. While some commentators like Stephen A. Smith have controversially dismissed golfers as "not athletes," the incredible skill and dedication required to maintain a plus handicap tell a different story. In fact, Smith's comments recently ignited a firestorm across the sports world, with many defending the athleticism required in precision sports.
These NCAA champions represent the pinnacle of collegiate golf, training through conditions that would challenge any athlete. Their commitment sometimes means playing through challenging weather, not unlike the disruptions faced by other sports. Recently, Midwest sports faced severe disruption from monster hail and tornadoes, reminding us that outdoor athletes must adapt to whatever nature presents.
The celebration at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue served as recognition for these student-athletes' remarkable achievements. While political events often generate division, this gathering focused purely on athletic excellence—a moment where plus handicaps and national championships transcended typical Washington discourse.
As the Oklahoma State golfers return to campus with presidential praise added to their national title, they carry forward a standard of excellence that even a former president found worthy of genuine admiration. Their skill level, demonstrated by those eye-opening handicaps, represents years of dedication to a sport that continues to captivate competitors and commanders-in-chief alike.
