Donald Trump and Joe Biden bickered over their abilities on the golf course during this week’s Presidential debate, and five-time major champion Phil Mickelson has had his say
Phil Mickelson has had his say on Donald Trump’s golf handicap argument with Joe Biden, after fellow LIV Golf star Bryson DeChambeau offered to host a match between the Presidential rivals.
Arguably the biggest conversation sparked during Thursday’s debate between the two candidates was surrounded their golfing ability, as the pair moved away from policy for a moment to brag about their skills with a club in hand. Trump – who is known to be an avid golfer – boasted about his recent club championship successes, whilst slamming Biden’s talents.
“He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards. He challenged me to a golf match, he can’t hit a ball 50 yards,” claimed Trump, before Biden quickly hit back: “I got my handicap, which when I was vice president, down to a six.
“And by the way, I told you before, I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?” Questioning Biden’s handicap, Trump quickly added: “That’s the biggest lie that he’s a six handicap of all.” Before the President himself went back on his word, adding: “I was an eight handicap. Yeah. Eight.”
The pair’s golfing fallout has caused huge debate online, and now former PGA Tour star Mickelson has had his say, admitting the argument between the pair was a relatable on. “After watching the debate last night,” he tweeted. “I feel it never got personal until they started talking golf handicaps and who hits the longest drives. As a golfer, I get it,” before signing off with two laughing emojis.
On the back of the Trump-Biden argument, recently crowned U.S. Open champion DeChambeau offered the two candidates the chance to settle their differences on the golf course, by hosting a grudge match on his YouTube channel. He posted on X: “Let’s settle this whole handicap debate, I’ll host the golf match on my YouTube @realDonaldTrump @JoeBiden.”
DeChambeau himself has a connection with former President Trump, whose son Eric hosted the LIV Golf star at Trump’s Westchester Golf Club on the back of his U.S. Open victory earlier this month. In a video posted online, Trump Jr was seen holding the trophy with DeChambeau, before the major champion downed red wine from the silverware.
Away from the celebrations the former U.S. President had a message of congratulations for DeChambeau. He posted on Truth Social: “Congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on his incredible WIN of the United States Open! He showed a toughness and inner strength, matched perfectly with his GREAT Golfing Talent, that can never be denied!
“Under massive pressure, he pulled off some of the greatest shots ever made, especially his spectacular sand save on the 18th Hole that gave him the Victory.” DeChambeau had previously admitted he is ‘very lucky’ to share a relationship with Trump, who he teed it up with at LIV Bedminster’s Pro-Am event in 2022.
https://x.com/PhilMickelson/status/1806814288973050302