Golf Writer Accuses Trump of Cheating in Viral Course Incident

Rick Reilly, a prominent sportswriter and author known for his critical views on Donald Trump's golf ethics, has once again raised eyebrows with his latest commentary. A viral video circulating online appears to show Trump’s caddie dropping a ball illegally on the green during a recent round of golf.

“It’s NEVER legal for your caddie to drop a ball. YOU can drop one, but never on a green,” Reilly stated on X, sharing the clip from the Patriot Takes account. “And since this was a full-score event, it’s not legal for Trump to drag the ball into the hole. No, no, never. Our president is a f---ing golf cheat.”

The footage reportedly captured at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster coincided with an announcement from the White House’s Instagram account, which claimed Trump, 79, won the 2025 Men’s Senior Club Championship with a gross score of 69—3 under par—and a net score of 67.

Reilly had anticipated foul play ahead of the tournament, recalling previous accusations against Trump for cheating during a game in Scotland last month. Allegations surfaced that a caddie had positioned Trump’s ball in a more favorable location than where it originally landed.

“Hey Trump, tomorrow is the Senior Champ at Bedminster. Are you shameless enough to pretend you won it? Even after the whole planet saw you cheat in Scotland? Is your ego that sick?” Reilly tweeted just before the event.

Following Trump’s victory announcement, Reilly responded with a follow-up post: “Guess we got our answer. What a child.”

Trump's history of winning tournaments at his own golf clubs has drawn scrutiny. This includes a member-member championship at Bedminster last month and a Senior Club Championship at his Jupiter, Florida course in January, where reports indicated “nobody saw him play,” according to local media.

In 2019, Reilly published "Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump," which openly suggests that Trump frequently cheats while playing golf and misrepresents his actual number of club championships. The book draws from Reilly's personal experiences playing with Trump and interviews with numerous caddies who have worked with him.

“Somebody should point out that the way Trump does golf is sort of the way he does a presidency,” Reilly remarked. “Which is to operate as though the rules are for other people.”

The White House has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these allegations.