There have been plenty of things I never thought I’d be able to call work but have been blessed to do so as part of golfing media.
Playing some of the top-ranked courses in the world for free is one, interviewing childhood heroes is another, but sitting down to watch Donald Trump play 18 holes is one I never saw coming.
I’m not sure whether to say ‘thank you’ to Bryson DeChambeau or to curse him, but because he had the 44th President of the United States (and potential 46th) join him for his ‘Breaking 50’ series on DeChambeau’s YouTube channel, that’s how I spent an hour of my Wednesday.
For those unfamiliar with the series, DeChambeau usually teams up with an elite golfer – typically a YouTube golfer although he’s also been joined by Sergio Garcia – and they play a two-man scramble from the red tees (with Garcia they played the whites) and try to go round in 49 strokes or less.
To date, he’d yet to accomplish the feat, and the odds of him doing so at Trump Bedminster with a 78-year-old as his partner were slim, even from the forward tees, and in case you’re thinking of watching yourself, I won’t give any spoilers.
What I will say, however, is that all those hours the cliched leader of the free world spent on the fairways instead of behind the Oval Office desk weren’t wasted. Even allowing for less-than-honest editing, Trump’s got game. It’s not the prettiest swing, and his putting stroke resembles that of a man getting electrocuted on the follow through, but he gets through the ball amazingly well for a near 80-year-old.
One thing is certain, had the much touted but never remotely likely Trump v Biden golf match actually happened, Biden’s disastrous performance in the Presidential Debate a month ago would’ve seemed a roaring success in comparison.
There are plenty of moments for the anti-Trump brigade to get their teeth into, not least the Donald’s complete refusal to go in for fist bumps, instead hand-pushing Bryson’s extended fist and neither man’s ability to recognise the other’s intention reduced me to childish giggling on multiple occasions.
Famed for his lack of humility, Trump doesn’t disappoint in this regard either, as everything from his ‘great’ music playlist, him owning the ‘best golf course in the world’, his caddie being the best green-reader, and him having eight holes-in-one get an airing in what is effectively an hour-long brag-fest.
Recorded pre-assassination attempt and prior to Biden withdrawing from the presidential race, it also didn’t take long for Trump to take a cheap shot, asking “you think Biden can do that?” after a good shot on the second hole.
But watching Bryson play golf is never dull, and his YouTube channel is an excellent way of showing the public what makes the one of the world’s best golfers that much better than scratch-amateurs.
The jury is still very much out on Trump’s ‘2-handicap’ claims, and he’s not winning any club championships when he’s hitting driver to a 210-yard hole, but the video is certainly worth a watch.
Oh, and as DeChambeau explained, $10,000 for every birdie and $20,000 for every eagle were being donated to the Wounder Warrior Project which helps injured veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, and whether you love or hate both individuals, there is a lot of money going charity’s way.