**Tee Time Talks: Trump’s Golfing Connections and Competitions**

*Trump has long used the golf course as a venue for relationships and networking, demonstrating both passion and competitiveness, as he mingles with global leaders and allies on the greens.*

Golf has often been a retreat for U.S. presidents, but for Donald Trump, it plays a dual role as both a passion and a business opportunity. During a recent trip to Scotland for the unveiling of a new course in Balmedie, Trump's fervor for golf was evident, with past golfing encounters showcasing his tenacity and the peculiar nature of his gameplay.

Take Mick Mulvaney, Trump’s former White House chief of staff, who recalls one memorable round back in 2019. Mulvaney, leading by one stroke with just three holes to go, confidently said to Trump, “I got you today, old man.” Mulvaney’s light-hearted banter was met with Trump's competitive spirit, ending with Trump birdieing two of those last holes and winning by two strokes. He played alongside Trump around 40 times but never managed to beat him. It was this fierce competitiveness that defined their golfing interactions, with Mulvaney finding it “soul-crushing” to often come out on the losing end.

For Trump, golf transcends leisure; it is a crucial platform for making connections. While former presidents like Barack Obama used the game as an escape, Trump views the course as prime real estate for networking. “There’s little tolerance for slow play,” notes Mulvaney, explaining the unspoken rules that govern Trump's game. Those who don’t keep pace may find themselves excluded from future rounds.

This approach was echoed by British journalist Kevin Brown, who played with Trump in 2012. During a round at Trump's Balmedie course, Brown noticed Trump’s concentration was unwavering—he was more invested in his game than in the surroundings. Trump’s longstanding history with the sport began in his college days, and over the years, he has owned and operated multiple golf courses across the globe.

Despite the aspirations tied to his golf properties, financial struggles remain. For instance, Trump's Balmedie course reported a significant loss this year, marking its eleventh consecutive year in the red. However, Turnberry, another of Trump's courses, turned a profit of $5 million, showcasing a mixed financial portfolio in the golf industry.

Fluctuating relationships with local authorities on land use and environmental concerns accompany his ambitions, especially concerning the potential hosting of the British Open at Turnberry. Golfing for Trump is about access and influence, a perception echoed by experts who understand his transactional nature. Tee times often translate into opportunities for discussions with heads of state, as seen with Trump’s golf interactions with both Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, where camaraderie blended seamlessly with international dialogue.

As a golfer, Trump is reputedly intense, claiming numerous club championships that raise eyebrows among critics. Notably, his detractors have documented alleged instances of bending the rules to secure victories, casting doubt on the authenticity of his golfing accolades.

Yet according to Mulvaney, when it really comes down to it, the game for Trump is about more than just business interests or political maneuvers—it's simply an enduring passion. “This is golf,” Mulvaney remarks, emphasizing the love for the game that predates Trump's political career and will continue long after.