Trump and Biden Spar Over Golf Skills in Debate

Former President Donald Trump ignited a playful yet heated exchange about golf skills during Thursday’s presidential debate, creating an unexpected tangent that provided a mix of levity and competition. Trump began the banter by questioning the golfing prowess of President Joe Biden, who immediately rose to the challenge, suggesting he was more than willing to engage in a driving contest to prove his abilities.

The debate, initially focused on the candidates’ ages, took an amusing turn when the 78-year-old Trump, well-known for his confidence in his mental acuity, used the opportunity to boast about his own golfing achievements. He claimed victories in two non-senior club championships and took a pointed jab at the 81-year-old Biden, asserting that the current president could not hit a golf ball fifty yards. This claim seemed to be part of Trump’s larger narrative to paint himself as more vigorous and competent, even in recreational activities.

In a spirited response, Biden shifted the focus to Trump’s physical attributes, making remarks about the former president’s height and weight. Biden quipped that he would gladly play a round of golf with Trump under the condition that Trump carries his own bag, highlighting a readiness to compete that hinted at both humor and challenge. Biden also brought up his golf handicap of 6, which in golfing terms means he generally scores six strokes over par on a typical course. Trump quickly dismissed this as a fabrication, saying, “I’ve seen your swing,” adding a layer of personal critique to the debate’s unexpected turn.

As the exchange continued, Trump sought to bring the conversation back to a more serious tone, advising, “Let’s not act like children.” However, Biden’s retort, “You are a child,” kept the exchange lively and underscored the personal rivalry between the two leaders, which extended beyond political disagreements to personal jabs and competitive bravado.

Golf has been a significant aspect of both Trump’s and Biden’s public personas. During his presidency, Trump was a frequent presence on golf courses, playing over 300 rounds as noted by the Associated Press. His playing style, particularly during a 2022 pro-am tournament, was characterized by The New York Times as aggressive and unorthodox, often involving picking up and repositioning balls that landed in difficult spots. This approach to the game mirrored Trump’s larger-than-life and often unconventional approach to his presidency.

Biden, too, has a history with golf, having played several rounds during his tenure as vice president. The Associated Press reported three years ago that Biden’s golf handicap was just over six, a statistic supported by the United States Golf Association. This detail about Biden’s golfing skill was intended to bolster his image as active and capable, despite his age.

The debate’s golf-related exchange highlighted the ongoing competitive spirit between the two leaders. It demonstrated how their rivalry transcends political discourse, extending into personal skills and recreational activities. This playful yet pointed banter illustrated the unique dynamics of the 2024 presidential race, where even sportsmanship on the golf course became a symbol of their broader contest for leadership.