An 80-year-old Donald Trump claiming to shoot a 70 at his Bedminster, New Jersey course has elicited skepticism. Despite having a flat golf swing and questionable chipping abilities, Trump reported winning both senior and super senior titles. He claimed to shoot ten strokes below his age, a feat akin to making a 120-yard field goal in snowshoes. The skepticism around Trump’s golf prowess may be misdirected. It seems his knack lies not in golf but in his creative counting methods.

Trump’s Early Golf Claims

In 2000, Trump declared having won 12 club championships. This was bewildering, considering his considerable struggles with bunkers. Yet, he maintained that each time he acquired a new golf course, he would play alone and declare the completion his championship win.

Ramping Up Championships

By 2013, Trump claimed to have won 18 club championships, frequently ridiculing other prominent figures like Mark Cuban. However, there were no records verifying his alleged new six titles. His achievements often occurred without witnesses or evidence.

Fast forward to 2024, and Trump spoke of 26 championships. Despite none of his golfing peers or caddies corroborating these wins, his championship count continued to rise. Trump managed to notch wins despite not being present at times; a testament to his unique ‘competition’ rules.

The Numbers Inflate

In 2025, Trump announced having 36 championships, achieving an implausible ten new wins in a single year. By Thanksgiving of the following year, he hinted at 38 wins, achieved at the private tournaments he hosts on his own courses. This claim incorporated both his creative self-celebration and a modest confession of infrequent practice.

Recent Claims and Controversies

Most recently, Trump’s Bedminster outing featured a remarkable reported score of 2-under 70. A score of this caliber is beyond many scratch golfers, leaving incredulity in its wake. An ex-caddie revealed it was customary to ensure Trump’s victory, often by manipulating typical golfing rules. Caddies ahead allegedly repositioned balls and facilitated easier putts.

By this unofficial count, Trump has attained 40 wins. Some observers at Bedminster contest this number, suggesting his victory tally could be approaching 43. Trump’s approach to golf remains a testimony to his interpretive success in a sport he appears to redefine continually.