Trevor Ng
Elon Musk is known for many things, from his business ventures to his innovative ideas, but what about his golf game? While it is unclear how often Musk plays golf, he has been spotted on the golf course with none other than former US President Donald Trump. The pair were seen golfing together at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, sparking speculation about Musk's potential involvement in the Trump administration. Aside from his rounds with Trump, Musk has also been known to offer insights into the mental game of golf, drawing parallels between the challenges golfers face and the fear of failure that many people experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plays golf | Yes |
| Plays golf with Donald Trump | Yes |
| Influences Trump's staffing decisions | Yes |
| Has a fear of failure | No |
| Believes in the importance of practice | Yes |
| Believes in efficiency | Yes |
| Believes in learning from failure | Yes |
| Believes in doing the "tough stuff" | Yes |
| Admired by golfers | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Elon Musk golfed with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago
Musk was reportedly weighing in on staffing decisions for the Trump administration and was pitching for the Department of Government Efficiency. However, it was unlikely that he would take a formal position in the administration due to complications with the companies he owns. Instead, he exerted influence from the outside, becoming a part of the Trump family and even featuring in their family photos.
Trump and Musk's friendship eventually soured, with the pair publicly feuding via social media in June 2025. Musk went on a tirade against Trump and his administration, expressing regret for some of his more personal attacks. Despite this, Trump hinted at their fractured relationship and continued to criticise Musk's role as CEO of Tesla.
Prior to their fallout, Musk praised Trump for tapping him to spearhead a government budget-slimming initiative, claiming that his efforts were saving the nation over $4 billion per day.
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Kid Rock golfed with Elon Musk and Donald Trump
Kid Rock teed off on the 15th hole during the celebrity shootout at the Ally Challenge in September 2019 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc Township. He later revealed that he was golfing with President Donald Trump and that they weren't alone. Elon Musk showed up to hang for a few holes.
Rock wrote on Twitter: "Was golfing w POTUS this past weekend. Always dang fun. He is the absolute GOAT."
This golfing weekend comes amid reports of Musk's frequent visits to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago mansion, where he was seen dining and playing golf with the former president. Multiple sources told CNN's Kaitlan Collins that Musk had been seen at Mar-a-Lago nearly every day since Trump won the election.
Musk's presence at Mar-a-Lago and his proximity to Trump have sparked speculation about his potential involvement in the Trump administration. While Musk is not expected to take a formal position, his influence from the outside is notable. He has pitched for the Department of Government Efficiency and has reportedly weighed in on staffing decisions.
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Donald Trump's love for golf
Donald Trump's affinity for golf has been a defining aspect of his life, intertwining with his business ventures, political endeavours, and personal lifestyle. Trump's involvement in golf extends beyond diplomacy, as he frequently plays golf with his family and interacts with supporters at his Florida golf courses. Trump's passion for golf has influenced international relations, as he has leveraged his golf courses as venues for diplomatic engagements, fostering relationships with global leaders.
Trump's love for golf has had significant financial implications as well. During the first month of his second presidency, he spent over $10 million of taxpayer money on his frequent golf outings. Trump has been criticised for choosing not to divest from his business holdings, including his golf courses, which has led to potential conflicts of interest. However, a judge ruled in September 2023 that the city had not provided a valid legal reason for ending the contract with the Trump Organization. The operating rights were then sold to Bally's Corporation for $60 million, and the course was renamed "Bally Links" in January 2024.
Trump's involvement in golf began in 1999 when he opened his first golf course, the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. By 2007, he owned four courses around the United States, and after the 2008 financial crisis, he began purchasing and redesigning existing golf courses. By 2016, Trump owned 17 golf courses worldwide through his holding company, the Trump Organization. Courses owned by Trump have hosted various PGA and LPGA events, including the 2017 Senior PGA Championship and the 2022 PGA Championship. However, the PGA terminated its partnership with Trump following the January 6 United States Capitol attack in 2021.
Trump's golf game has been described as lacking a pretty swing, with his putting stroke resembling that of a man getting electrocuted on the follow-through. However, he gets through the ball impressively well for a man approaching 80 years old. Trump has also been criticised for his lack of humility while golfing, as he boasts about owning the "best golf course in the world" and having the best caddie and green-reader. Despite this, Trump has used golf as a tool for diplomacy, playing with figures like Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
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Trump's involvement in golf beyond diplomacy
While Donald Trump's love for golf is well-known, his involvement in the sport goes beyond a mere hobby. Trump's presidency has been marked by a blurring of lines between governance and personal business interests, particularly in the context of his dealings with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states.
Trump's involvement in golf diplomacy has been a notable aspect of his presidency. The Trump Organization, which owns several golf courses, has been at the centre of these dealings. Trump's first golf course, the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, opened in 1999. By 2016, he owned 17 golf courses worldwide through his holding company. Courses owned by Trump have hosted various PGA and LPGA events, including the 2017 Senior PGA Championship and the 2022 PGA Championship, although the latter was terminated after the January 6 Capitol attack.
Trump's golf diplomacy has had a significant impact on his business ventures. After losing multiple U.S.-based partnerships following the Capitol riot, Saudi Arabia remained a key partner, with LIV Golf hosting tournaments at Trump-owned courses and injecting millions into his business. Trump's administration also shielded Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman from repercussions following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, illustrating the transactional nature of Trump's governance.
Trump's dealings with Gulf Arab states go beyond real estate and golf tournaments. During his first term, Trump's businesses received millions from 20 foreign governments, with Saudi lobbyists spending over $270,000 at his Washington hotel. Trump's family business has also signed branding deals for real estate projects in Saudi Arabia, including a Trump Tower in Riyadh and a $530 million residential tower in Jeddah. These dealings raise serious ethical concerns about conflicts of interest and the exploitation of Trump's presidency for personal gain.
Trump's involvement in golf has also impacted American diplomacy. For example, Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe played golf with Trump five times, fostering a close personal relationship between the two leaders. Trump's love for golf has even led to some lighthearted moments during tense political situations, such as when he complained about not being able to play golf while navigating questions about the U.S. involvement in Iran.
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Trump's golf diplomacy
Donald Trump's love for golf is well-known, and it has also influenced American diplomacy. One of the most notable examples of Trump's golf diplomacy is his relationship with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The two leaders played golf together five times, which helped them develop a close personal relationship. This strategy was later emulated by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who resumed playing golf after Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election to improve relations between the two countries.
Trump's involvement in the golf industry goes beyond his personal enjoyment of the sport. Through his holding company, the Trump Organization, he owned 17 golf courses worldwide as of 2016. These courses have hosted prestigious tournaments, including the LPGA Tour finale from 2001 to 2008 and the PGA Championship in 2022, although the latter was terminated after the Capitol attack in 2021. The Trump Organization has also managed and licensed Trump-branded golf courses that they do not own, such as the 36-hole oceanfront course in Coco Beach, Puerto Rico.
Trump's golf ventures have sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest. In 2018, the PGA Tour Latinoamérica held its Shell Tour Championship at Trump National Doral Miami, and Trump hosted a tournament for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour at the same resort. Additionally, the Trump Organization has several projects in the Gulf region, including a $5.5 billion golf club in Qatar and three projects in Saudi Arabia, one of which is a golf course. These business ventures intersect with Trump's diplomatic visits to the region, raising ethical questions.
While Trump's golf diplomacy has fostered closer ties with some leaders, it has also attracted criticism and ethical concerns, particularly when his business ventures overlap with diplomatic opportunities. As Trump navigates his business interests and presidential duties, the potential for conflicts of interest remains a subject of debate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Elon Musk does play golf. He has been seen playing golf with former US President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Elon Musk has also played golf with Kid Rock and Donald Trump.
Elon Musk has said that he prefers playing golf over practicing.
