Trump tees off for LIV... then teases re-election!
MOST of the opening group were already in place by the time a motorcade of buggies whirred down the hill and nestled behind a grandstand.
Bryson DeChambeau had been waiting on the first tee for a few minutes. Dustin Johnson several more still. Turns out tee times are flexible when the course is yours. So, 10 minutes late, Donald and Eric Trump came into view.
Without fans, this pro-am event was a low-key lift- off for what promises to be an explosive partnership with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Still, the former President sniffed a PR opportunity.
‘Make America Great Again’ glared off his red cap as he greeted LIV chief Greg Norman and highfived DJ. After his tee shot flew into the New Jersey sky, he turned towards his watching family. ‘I’m glad that’s over with,’ Trump said, before wandering towards his buggy. He was early this time.
Trump had forgotten this was a five- ball: Yasir Al- Rumayyan, chairman of Newcastle and governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, had yet to tee off. Placing them in the same group was certainly one way to address accusations of sportswashing. Trump was in less of a hurry thereafter. He even answered a question on whether he would run for the White House once more. ‘You’re going to be so happy. We’ll let you know pretty soon,’ Trump said. His son’s bag carried a clearer indication: ‘Trump 2024’, it read.
Soon, the 76-year-old had knocked a birdie putt close and picked up. Not that anyone complained. A gimme is tame given Trump’s history on courses like this. Caddies at Winged Foot are said to have nicknamed him ‘Pele’ for his habit of kicking his ball back into play. No such heckling yesterday. His buggy was trailed by armed police and the Secret Service.
On the second tee, after DeChambeau and Johnson had gone with fairway woods, Trump took himself to a tee box closer to the hole. Another good drive set up another birdie opportunity, only to send his approach into the rough.
Off he went, whizzing up towards the green. Behind him, the group began to whistle. Again, he had forgotten about Al-Rumayyan.
Trump reversed out of the way. But, by Sunday night, who would bet against him rendering the Saudis an afterthought once more?