Golf tournament or political rally? Donald Trump seems to believe the two go hand in hand as he used his hosting duties at LIV Golf DC to ramp up support for his 2024 presidential campaign.
The former president hosted the Saudi-funded series for a third time, this week at his Trump National Golf Club on the outskirts of Washington DC – a place he wants to return to.
As with previous LIV events hosted at its Bedminster and Miami golf courses, the crowd seemed as eager to catch a glimpse of Trump as the pro golfers on display.
And the 45th president did not miss the opportunity to greet his loyal supporters.
Arriving at the driving range on his presidential golf cart accompanied by his motorcade of about 15 Secret Service carts, Trump stumbled off the training grounds, waving to the assembled crowd.
Donald Trump jumped at the chance to rally his supporter Saturday at LIV Golf in DC
The former president graced the driving range at his Trump National Golf Course
Many called out to him with cries of ’45,’ ‘No. 47,” or “Let’s go 2024,” prompting a signature fist pump from the former president.
He greeted PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka before going further down to talk to Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed, who fired him from his perch on the range.
Shouts and shouts rippled down the line packed against the railing as he occasionally waved to his fans, all carrying their smartphones, cameras pointed at their political star, rather than the LIV rebels.
He even stopped to sign flags and caps – many sported his “Make America Great Again” or others emblazoned with “Trump” in all caps, similar to the only son Eric and his wife Lara donned for the occasion.
Wherever he stopped, the crowd poured in, clamoring for his attention. Many begged for selfies, to which he agreed, others gushed with their love for him, while one teen told him he would be eligible to vote for the first time in 2024 – no idea where that vote will go.
When asked if he could beat Ron DeSantis for the Republican ticket and emerge victorious from his third presidential run, Trump did not answer. He didn’t have to. The Trump faithful responded for him with mockery and adamant insistence of “of course he can.”
If their electoral intent wasn’t already clear, Trump made sure he got their vote and reminded them all to “vote in 2024.”
Meanwhile, as his fan club continued to idolize Trump, the stars of LIV had already left the range after the five minutes, one minute and final reminders to head to their tees for the start of the second round.
The 76-year-old even paused to greet fans to take a shot for Patrick Reed himself
He stopped to pose for selfies with supporters and signed “Trump” caps for fans
The spectators gathered along the fence cheered as Trump waved to them
But a large crowd did not follow them. Instead of going to the track to watch the pros tee off — something they paid good money for — a group of loyalists stayed behind to continue watching Trump’s show on a stage that was now all his.
Trump himself was in no hurry to head to his own course to see the shotgun start. As the countdown to the first rides ticked on the huge screens that framed the driving range, Trump remained rooted and took several lengthy phone calls.
If LIV hoped that his presence in Potomac Falls, Virginia would increase the excitement surrounding the tournament, their wish was certainly granted.
And while he may have detracted from the main attraction on the fairways, Trump still paid credit to the controversial breakaway.
Showing up for a practice round with Patrick Reed, Graeme McDowell, his son Eric and Bob Koepka — the father of PGA Championship winner Brooks — on Thursday, Trump was eager to speak highly of the competition — and the Saudi money pouring into the sport.
“I think the (PGA) Tour made a big mistake playing games,” Trump told reporters. “They have unlimited money, and they love it. And it’s been great publicity for Saudi Arabia.
The host of the tournament missed the shotgun start to take multiple calls on the range
Dressed in a MAGA cap and shirt, he took the opportunity to show off his golf skills
“They’ve been great for golf. The Saudis have been fantastic for golf. And they’re going to be a big part of it, in their country, they’re going to do great courses.’
LIV Golf is funded by Saudi Arabia’s public investment fund, and their massive finances have shaken the sport, luring many of its top players away from the PGA Tour to sign lucrative new contracts.
LIV’s critics have accused it of enabling sports laundering while Saudi Arabia tries to divert attention from its appalling history of human rights abuses.
Trump was asked if he will receive compensation for allowing LIV Golf to use its courses for their tournaments, which he confirmed but would not specify an amount.