A video from President Donald Trump’s recent golf trip to Scotland has stirred a social media storm, with fresh accusations of cheating on the course.
The footage, filmed during Trump’s visit to his Turnberry resort on 26–27 July 2025, shows a caddie discreetly dropping a ball in the rough. While Trump himself is not seen hitting the shot in question, the clip has gone viral, fuelling debate online about whether the US president once again bent the rules of the game.
President Trump, 79, was in Scotland over the weekend, having just announced a major tariffs agreement with the European Union, one of America’s most significant trading partners.But alongside his official duties, he also made time to play 18 holes each day at Trump Turnberry, the golf course he owns and hopes will host a future British Open.
The viral video has sparked long-standing claims that Trump routinely cheats at golf, accusations that have been echoed by those who have played with him in the past.
So, did the US President actually cheat? Here is what his fellow players have to say.
Jack O’Donnell, who worked as vice president at Trump Plaza Casino in Atlantic City, recalled what his late colleague, Mark Eddis, once said about golfing with Trump.
“So, does he improve his lie?” O'Donnell asked Eddis, according to sportswriter Rick Reilly.
“Every shot but the tee shot," Eddis reportedly replied with a laugh as reported by The Spun.
Improving one’s lie, moving the ball to a better position, is considered a breach of golf etiquette, even among casual players. While it may happen informally, it’s certainly frowned upon when someone lays claim to multiple club championships, as Trump does.
Another former playing partner, Bryan Marsal, a longtime member of Winged Foot Golf Club, shared his own experience with the president.
“I played with him once,” Marsal said, as cited by The Spun.
“It was a Saturday morning game. We go to the first tee and he couldn’t have been nicer. But then he said, ‘You see those two guys? They cheat. See me? I cheat. And I expect you to cheat because we’re going to beat those two guys today.’… So, yes, it’s true, he’s going to cheat you. But I think Donald, in his heart of hearts, believes that you’re gonna cheat him, too. So if it’s the same, if everybody’s cheating, he doesn’t see it as really cheating.”
Online, the reaction to the video has been predictably split.
“And you are surprised? he did that all his life,” wrote one user on social media platform X.
“It’s not cheating when you own the course,” one user joked.
Some users could also be seen defending the US President, “Why did you stop the video? It doesn’t show him cheating, because it doesn’t show him hitting the ball.”
“Every single golfer has done this, multiple times,” argued another.
Some have demanded the full uncut version of the video, insisting that the brief clip doesn’t provide conclusive evidence. Others, meanwhile, said that the move is a common one on the golf course and not worth the fuss.
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