The President on the Golf Course: A Unique Experience
Billy Foster, a seasoned caddie with years of experience in professional golf, has shared his insights into what it’s like to walk the course alongside Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Foster’s account comes at a pivotal time as Trump has been actively involved in helping the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to reach a historic merger deal. The possibility of a merger between these two prominent golf tours has been a topic of intense speculation and negotiation since the initial announcement in 2023, with talks progressing at a slow but steady pace. Foster’s recollections provide a humanizing touch to the often-politicized image of the former president, painting a picture of Trump as a refreshingly straightforward and entertaining figure on the golf course.
Donald Trump’s Role in the Merger Talks
The involvement of Donald Trump in the PGA-LIV merger talks has raised eyebrows and sparked significant interest both within and outside the golfing community. According to Foster, Trump’s willingness to lend a hand is commendable, given his already busy schedule. Foster noted, "Donald Trump is sorting out every issue in the world and now he’s sorting out golf. He’s a busy man, but fair play to him. He’s trying to get stuck in and sort out the world’s problems. If golf is one of them, so be it. He can’t do everything, though, can’t he?" This sentiment reflects a mix of admiration and pragmatism, acknowledging Trump’s dedication while also recognizing the limits of his influence. The US President’s involvement is seen as a positive step, bringing his negotiation skills and leadership to a sport that has been divided by financial and ideological differences.
A Character on the Course
Foster’s description of Trump’s personality on the golf course provides a unique perspective. "He’s a character. Trump’s just a steady player. He’s probably a 10-to-15 handicap, I would imagine. He just plods along. He was entertaining. I remember that. He was good fun to be out with, to be quite honest," Foster recalled. His candid remarks highlight Trump’s approachable and down-to-earth demeanor when away from the political spotlight. Foster also noted that Trump’s old-school mentality and lack of political correctness can be refreshing. "He’s not scared. He says what he thinks. He’s not PC. He’s a bit old school, isn’t he? And it’s quite refreshing to be quite honest," Foster added. These comments suggest that Trump’s direct and unfiltered nature, though controversial in other contexts, can make for a lively and enjoyable round of golf.
The Golf League and the Future of Golf
Despite his appreciation for Trump’s character, Foster is less enthusiastic about The Golf League (TGL), a new venture spearheaded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Foster stated, "I don’t see TGL being the future of the game. It’s not something that really interests me that much. It’s hard to comment on it but is it the future of golf, playing against a big screen? I don’t think so, but it’s something different for people to watch and they can form their own opinions." His skepticism is grounded in the traditional values of the sport, which emphasize the authenticity and physical presence of players on the course. However, Foster does recognize that TGL can offer some benefits, particularly in addressing the issue of slow play, a long-standing concern in professional golf.
The Shot Clock: A Solution to Slow Play
Foster believes that the shot clock, a feature of TGL, could be a valuable tool in improving the pace of play across both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. "Absolutely, a shot clock could be implemented across the wider game. They played with one at the Australian Open… I think it was 40 seconds and the clock was there beside the players on the fairway so they knew exactly where they stood," he explained. The use of a shot clock would ensure that players are aware of the time constraints and can manage their play more efficiently. Foster acknowledged that officials and rules need to be more stringent to enforce a faster pace, but also emphasized the need for flexibility in certain situations. "You’ve got to cut a little bit slack if you’ve got a difficult shot, but if you can’t get around in four and a half hours—most of the time you get these difficult courses and it’s taking these lads five and a quarter hours—it drags on a bit too long. It should be sped up a little bit, I believe," he said.
Moving Forward with the Merger
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger talks have been closely monitored by the golfing world, with hopes that a deal will bring unity and stability to the sport. Paul McGinley, a European Ryder Cup-winning captain, recently revealed that an announcement confirming the merger could come before the Masters, which is set to begin in 49 days. Foster’s comments on Trump’s involvement underscore the significance of his role in these negotiations. "We know golf fans are eagerly anticipating a resolution to negotiations with the Public Investment Fund and want to thank President Trump for his interest and long-time support of the game of golf," stated PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, along with player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. They added, "We asked the President to get involved for the good of the game, the good of the country, and for all the countries involved. We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf." These statements highlight the collaborative spirit and the hope that, with Trump’s assistance, the sport can move past its current divisions and thrive in a more unified and competitive environment.
