A Reflection on Golf, Politics, and the Impact of a Leader
There is something almost sacrilegious about questioning the reverence surrounding golf, especially in the context of the British Open. However, Mark Twain’s quip that golf is “a good walk spoiled” has always resonated with me. I found myself recalling this when a friend shared his decision to take up learning French and playing golf as a way to improve himself.
The moment he mentioned his new hobbies, I couldn’t help but say, “Zut alors, mon ami!” It was an instinctive response, one that made me wonder if I had actually learned more in my O-level French than I ever gave myself credit for. I remember getting a grade B, which I attributed to the fact that my oral exam was conducted by a nun from another school. In my limited French, I told her I was planning to become a priest and had spent the summer in Lourdes caring for the sick.
It was a classic case of playing to the audience, a skill that can be incredibly useful in the world of communications. But I suspect she saw through me. Nuns, in my experience, are far more shrewd than they appear.
As my friend set off to Scotland for a weekend of bashing a little white ball into the heather, I couldn’t help but think of others who were also struggling on the course. The self-proclaimed “Leader of the Free World,” as it were, was seen driving around Turnberry in a motorised cart—what they call a golf buggy. I imagine he was in his own version of Golf Buggy One.
I know my friend well enough to believe that if he accidentally hit a ball in the direction of the Great Leader, the warning “Fore!” would barely escape his lips. Trump has long been known for his controversial reputation in the golf world, one that some argue is even lower than his standing in statecraft.
Author Rick Reilly, in his book Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump, highlights how Trump has a history of cheating on the course. At one golf course, caddies nicknamed him “Pele” due to the frequency with which he kicked his errant balls back onto the fairway. Reilly notes that 90% of those he interviewed—on and off the record—claim Trump openly cheats.
Trump’s psychology has been scrutinized more than any other individual, though this might be an exaggeration. Last year, just two weeks before the November election, 200 mental health professionals placed an ad in the New York Times warning Americans about the dangers of electing him. While publicly discussing someone’s mental health may seem unethical, their analysis is crucial and, at times, unsettling.
They described Trump as “grossly unfit” to be president, citing symptoms of a “severe, untreatable personality disorder—malignant narcissism.” To be honest, you don’t need to be a clinical psychologist to see these traits. As Reilly suggests, just observe someone who has seen Trump play golf, conduct business, address a crowd of followers, or engage in international negotiations.
Returning to Trump’s trip to Scotland, there was no shortage of controversy. Comedian Janey Godley had previously greeted him with a poster that used language unsuitable for a family newspaper. As usual, Trump brought his megaphone diplomacy, telling Europe, “Stop the windmills. You’re ruining your countries.” He also warned about immigration, saying, “You better get your act together or you’re not going to have Europe any more.”
King Charles avoided the scene, but European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were present, offering fawning support. It’s clear that Trump poses a greater threat to Europe than migrants, who are generally hardworking and pay their taxes. No one seemed willing to challenge him on this.
What is most disturbing is the willingness of politicians to comply with Trump’s agenda, rather than stand up for what truly matters. This fear of retribution and reluctance to confront his bullying tactics has led to a lack of action on critical issues, such as the ongoing genocide in Palestine, carried out by Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and supported by the United States and its allies, including the UK.
In a world where sucking up to Trump seems to outweigh concern for innocent lives, it’s essential to question the priorities of those in power. If you have thoughts on the issues discussed, consider submitting a Letter to the Editor for publication. Letters should include a full name, address, and daytime phone number. Pen names are not accepted.
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