You’ve probably seen the thumbnail by now. It’s hard to miss. A massive YouTube title screams "Can I Break 50 With President Donald Trump?" and features the reigning U.S. Open champ and the 47th President standing side-by-side on a tee box. Honestly, it felt like a fever dream for golf fans. One guy is known for hitting 350-yard bombs and using physics to solve the greens; the other is known for a very deliberate, somewhat quirky "step-through" swing and owning half the famous courses on the planet.
When Trump tees it up with Hall of Fame golfer Bryson DeChambeau—or future Hall of Famer, if we’re being technical about his current trajectory—people aren't just watching for the birdies. They’re watching to see if the rumors about Trump’s game are actually true. Is he really a 2.8 handicap? Does he actually count every stroke?
The video, which dropped on DeChambeau’s channel, didn't just rack up a few thousand views. It cleared 5 million in like 24 hours. It was basically the Super Bowl of golf content.
The Scramble Format: How They Almost Made History
Basically, the goal was simple but insane: break 50 in a two-man scramble from the forward tees. For those who don't spend every weekend losing balls in the woods, a scramble means you both hit, pick the best shot, and go from there. Doing that under 50 strokes for 18 holes? That’s 22 under par. It's almost impossible.
But they had a secret weapon. Well, two.
First, they played from the "red" or forward tees. This turned par-5s into long par-4s for Bryson and made every par-4 a reachable green for a guy who swings as hard as he does. Second, Trump actually showed up with a putter that was on fire. Say what you want about his mechanics—and believe me, the internet has thoughts—the man was draining 10-footers like it was his job.
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At one point, Trump looked right into the lens after DeChambeau absolutely nuked a drive. "It’s very lonnnng, folks, very long," he said, drawing out the words in that signature style. It wasn't just a round of golf; it was a masterclass in branding. But beneath the showmanship, there was some actual shot-making.
Breaking Down the Presidential Swing
If you look at the footage, Trump’s swing is... unique. He uses a "step-through" finish, similar to what Gary Player (another legend he’s played with) used to do to help with weight transfer. It looks a bit like he’s walking toward the hole before the ball even lands.
- The Driver: He hits a reliable, low-spinning fade. It’s not long by pro standards, but it stays in play.
- The Irons: He’s surprisingly crisp with his short game.
- The Putting: This is where the debate gets heated. His stroke is a "jab." It’s short, punchy, and has zero follow-through. Yet, during the "Break 50" challenge, he was the one bailing Bryson out on the greens.
There’s a specific moment on the 12th hole, a par-4. They actually eagled it. Think about that. An eagle on a par-4 is a "hole out" or a drive and a putt. They were rolling. When Trump tees it up with Hall of Fame golfer personalities, he seems to feed off the energy. DeChambeau, who is usually the most intense guy on the course, was actually playing second fiddle to the banter.
Why This Match Mattered More Than Just YouTube Views
It wasn't just about the score. DeChambeau pledged to donate $10,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project for every stroke they shot under par. By the end of the day, the total was massive. It turned a polarizing political figure and a polarizing sports figure into a team working for a cause.
They finished with a 50. One. Single. Stroke. Short.
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They needed a birdie on the last hole to hit 49. Trump actually had a chance to sink the winning putt, but it just wouldn't drop. DeChambeau literally fell to the ground in disbelief. It was peak drama.
The "Hall of Fame" Connection
While Bryson is the current face of this "new age" golf, Trump has a long history of playing with the actual legends in the World Golf Hall of Fame. We aren't just talking about a casual weekend round.
- Jack Nicklaus: The "Golden Bear" has been a frequent partner and has publicly defended Trump’s love for the game, saying he loves golf more than money.
- Gary Player: Trump famously awarded Player the Presidential Medal of Freedom. They’ve played together at Bedminster and in Florida multiple times.
- Annika Sörenstam: Arguably the greatest female golfer ever. She played in a high-profile foursome with Trump and Lindsey Graham, where she reportedly "beat the hell out of them," according to the participants.
- Tiger Woods: They’ve teed it up multiple times, including a famous round in 2017 with Dustin Johnson.
Addressing the "Cheating" Rumors
Look, you can't talk about Trump on the golf course without mentioning the book Golf Into Red. Skeptics always claim he takes "mulligans" (do-overs) or moves his ball. Honestly, in the DeChambeau video, everything looked pretty raw. Sure, it was edited for time—nobody wants to watch 4 hours of walking—but you saw the fat shots. You saw the chunks.
Trump actually blamed "wet fairways" for a couple of bad chips. It was a very "golfer" excuse. We’ve all been there, blaming the grass when we hit it four inches behind the ball.
The reality is that at 78 years old, the guy can still move the ball. Most people his age are struggling to crack 100 from the senior tees. He’s out there competing with a guy who has 200 mph ball speed.
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The Cultural Impact of the Round
This match changed the game for golf content. Before this, golf YouTube was mostly guys in their 20s hitting trick shots. Now, we have world leaders participating in "challenges." It showed a human side of the presidency that you don't see in a 30-second news clip. They talked about maple trees, Frank Sinatra, and why golf is the only thing that "takes everything off your brain."
For Bryson, it was a massive win for his brand. He went from being the "science nerd" everyone loved to hate to the guy who could bridge the gap between sports and the highest levels of government.
What You Can Learn From Their Game
If you’re looking to improve your own game by watching them, don't try to copy Trump's putting stroke. Seriously, don't. But do look at his "step-through." If you struggle with staying back on your right side and slicing the ball, that forward momentum can actually help your ball striking.
Also, notice the strategy. Even with a pro, they weren't always going for the hero shot. They played "best ball" logic. Get one in the fairway, then let the big dog hunt.
When Trump tees it up with Hall of Fame golfer legends, he usually plays the role of the steady partner. He puts the ball in play and lets the superstars take the risks. That’s actually a great lesson for any amateur playing in a Saturday morning scramble.
Your Next Steps on the Course
If you want to play like a pro (or at least like a president), start with these three things:
- Master the "Punch" Putt: If you're struggling with "yips," try a shorter backstroke and a firmer strike. It worked for Trump at Bedminster.
- Film Your Swing: Don't be afraid to see the "ugly" parts of your game. The DeChambeau video showed the bad shots along with the eagles. That's how you learn.
- Play a Scramble: If you’re frustrated with your score, grab a friend who’s better than you and play a two-man scramble. It takes the pressure off and reminds you why the game is fun in the first place.
Golf is ultimately about the stories told in the cart between shots. Whether you're talking about the U.S. Open or what Frank Sinatra song is the best, the game remains the great equalizer. Even if you're the President of the United States, a four-foot putt for birdie still feels like the most important thing in the world in that moment.