Trump 'best US president golfer' as AI analyses says he could make 'top 50 golfers'

EXCLUSIVE: President Trump might be the best golfer out of all the US presidents and is a very good amateur golfer but there's suspicion around his self-reported handicap score

Zesha Saleem

15:17, 26 Jul 2025

Trump is a good amateur golfer, according to AI(Image: via Getty Images)

Donald Trump might be the "best US president golfer" yet, according to AI, and could be in a make the "top 50" golfers for his age.

It's no surprise that Trump is an avid golfer. He's currently spending the day on Trump Turnberry in Scotland as part of his five day visit to the country which has already attracted protestors in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Analysis from Grok AI looked at Trump's golfing abilities and came to the conclusion that he's in a good position for an amateur golfer, "particularly for someone in their late 70s" but it's difficult to compare him to the top professionals without context.

[Can't compare him to the professionals ]

Can't compare him to the professionals (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The AI said his "self-reported handicap is often cited as 2.8" but sources suggest it could be higher at "10-12." His self-reported figure would rank him in the top 1% of amateur golfers.

However, the AI added: "Critics, including sportswriter Rick Reilly, argue his true handicap is likely closer to 10 or 12, citing selective score reporting and allegations of embellishment.

"The USGAs Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) shows limited recent score postings, with only one score since 2020, casting doubt on the 2.8 figures accuracy."

[He's mostly played on his own courses]

He's mostly played on his own courses(Image: Getty Images)

In terms of his strengths, there were praises for his iron play, power and ball striking for his age. While he has an unorthodox swing with a "flat backswing, inside takeaway" it generates "consistent results" with "drives averaging around 230 yards and strong iron shots." It's also said he has good accuracy and has a decent putting game despite an unusual follow-through.

Grok also claimed Bryson DeChambeau and Jack Nicklaus have praised Trumps ball-striking, iron play, and power for his age.

However, he has got extensive experience, with nearly 300 rounds during his presidency and owns 17 golf courses worldwide. He claims he won 19 club championships, though some question whether these were formal tournaments or casual events.

[He loves golf]

He loves golf(Image: Getty Images)

In terms of his golfing weaknesses, his swing isn't as refined as professionals and his putting motion has been described as "awkward." It's also hard to get a neutral point of view, as he plays mostly on his own courses which may be "set up favourably: and inflate his own scores.

There's also been allegations of cheating which questions the legitimacy of some reported scores, like a claimed 67 at Bedminster or a 70 in tournament play.

[US President Donald Trump presents US golfer Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom ]

US President Donald Trump presents US golfer Tiger Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

It's hard to compare how good he is among professionals as they operate at a vastly different level. Their handicaps are effectively plus handicaps (e.g., +8 to +10), meaning they consistently shoot under par on PGA Tour courses, which are far more challenging than typical amateur setups.

In terms of his hypothetical ranking, he is unlikely to be in the top 100 golfers globally. The analysis said: "His game, even at a 2.8 handicap, lacks the consistency and versatility needed."

[The waters are muddied]

The waters are muddied(Image: Getty Images)

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His handicap would make him competitive among senior amateurs potentially ranking in the top 50-100 nationally for his age group, but not dominant due to course difficulty and competition strength.

In conclusion, the AI said he his a good amateur golfer for his age on courses he knows well. If his handicap is true, it places him among the best non-professional golfers, outranking all other U.S. presidents. But the waters are muddied because of score manipulation and limited recent score postings.

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