Presidential Debate Made the Day for the Golf World – REACTIONS

In an unexpected twist, the first round of the 2024 Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden turned into a surreal discussion about golf handicaps. The debate, which was supposed to focus on pressing national issues, instead saw the two candidates exchanging barbs over their golfing abilities, sparking widespread amusement and disbelief among viewers and the golf community alike.

Golf Takes Center Stage in Trump-Biden Clash

The humorous exchange began when Biden, reminiscing about his time as vice president, claimed to have achieved a 6 handicap in golf. Trump, an avid golfer who often boasts about his prowess on the greens, was quick to respond.

“Biden calling himself a 6 handicap was his biggest lie of all,” Trump retorted. Biden then challenged Trump to a golf match, suggesting Trump carry his own bag. “I got my handicap down to a six,” Biden said, “and I’d be happy to play golf with Trump if he carries his own bag.”

Trump fired back, questioning Biden’s claim and touting his own achievements. “I’m in very good health. I just won two club championships — not even senior, two regular club championships,” Trump boasted. “To do that, you have to be quite smart, and you have to be able to hit the ball a long way. And I do it. He doesn’t do it. He can’t hit a ball 50 yards.”

Biden countered with a jab at Trump’s height and weight, saying, “He’s gonna say he is 6-5 and only 225 pounds. Look, I’d be happy to have a driving contest with him. I told you before, I’m happy to play golf if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?”

The exchange ended with Trump dismissing Biden’s claims as childish, and Biden retorting, “You’re a child.” The surreal moment quickly went viral, with social media erupting in reactions from both political pundits and the golfing world.

Pro Golfers and Celebrities React to the Presidential debate

The golf debate didn’t go unnoticed in the professional golfing community. Bryson DeChambeau, a prominent figure in the sport, was quick to weigh in. DeChambeau posted on X:

Let’s settle this whole handicap debate, I’ll host the golf match on my YouTube @realDonaldTrump @JoeBiden

— Bryson DeChambeau (@b_dechambeau) June 28, 2024

DeChambeau’s offer to mediate the golf feud added a layer of irony to the spectacle, highlighting how the trivial argument had overshadowed more serious debate topics.

Six time major champion Phil Mickelson also said his part on X about the presidential debate:

After watching the debate last night, I feel it never got personal until they started talking golf handicaps and who hits the longest drives. As a golfer, I get it. 😂😂

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) June 28, 2024

Trevor Immelman, former Masters champion and CBS golf analyst, also commented on the bizarre exchange at the presidential debate:

Everyone loves golf.

— Trevor Immelman (@TrevorImmelman) June 28, 2024

Immelman noted on X (formerly Twitter), capturing the light-hearted amusement the incident brought to the public.

Meanwhile, rapper Schoolboy Q found humor in the situation emerged at the Presidential Debate:

THey talking bout golf im crying braH😂biden ain’t no 6 Handicap dawg. trump definitely cHeated during tHe club cHampionsHip 🇺🇸

— ScHoolboy Q (@ScHoolboyQ) June 28, 2024

Political commentator Ben Shapiro added his perspective of the Golf topic at the Presidential Debate, stating:

Trump hammering Biden on golf is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in politics.

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) June 28, 2024

These reactions from various corners of the internet underscored the unexpected entertainment value the debate segment provided.

Despite the humorous nature of the exchange, it also sparked discussions about the candidates’ fitness for office, albeit through the lens of their golfing capabilities. Moderator Dana Bash’s question about Trump’s fitness to serve led to his bragging about cognitive tests and club championships, a pivot that seemed to resonate with some viewers as a bizarre yet memorable moment.

Political analysts pointed out that while the golf talk at the presidential debate might seem trivial, it humanized the candidates in an unexpected way. Golf, a sport enjoyed by many Americans, became a relatable point of contention that transcended the typical political rhetoric.

This relatability was evident in the widespread media coverage, with major outlets like The Washington Post, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal all reporting on the debate’s golf segment.

While golf provided a moment of levity at the presidential debate, it also highlighted how personal anecdotes and claims can shape public perception. Fact-checkers like Politifact quickly pointed out discrepancies in the candidates’ golfing records.

According to the United States Golf Association, Biden holds a 6.7 handicap from a self-reported 2018 log, while Trump’s 2.5 handicap was last reported in 2021. These numbers, while largely inconsequential in the grand scheme of presidential qualifications, added an element of scrutiny to the light-hearted banter.

The unexpected turn to golf in the presidential debate not only amused the nation but also sparked a broader conversation about the candidates’ personalities and relatability. As the election season continues, this memorable moment is sure to be referenced as a peculiar yet defining instance of the 2024 campaign.