Trump Promises to "Play Together" with President Lee Jaemyung... Golf as a Diplomatic Tool [Presidents and Golf]

Trump Uses Golf as a Diplomatic Bridge
Proposes a Round with President Lee Jaemyung
Abe, Lee Myungbak, and Bush Resolve Issues Through Golf

Golf is often referred to as the "gentleman's sport." It is considered one of the best exercises for clearing the mind and relieving stress in nature. The quiet atmosphere also allows for discreet conversations. Walking the course together provides an opportunity to discuss important matters. World leaders also enjoy golf to build friendships and, at times, use it as a diplomatic tool. This is a story about presidents and golf.

The most representative "golf president" is US President Donald Trump. He is a self-proclaimed golf enthusiast and is recognized as one of the most skilled golfers among all US presidents. His handicap is 2, and he has won club tournaments 19 times. After taking office in January 2017, he played 62 rounds in just 10 months, drawing attention, and played more than 300 rounds during his presidency.

He has sent drives as far as 280 yards. In August 2013, he recorded his personal best score of 2-under-par 70. Trump is also well known as a "golf tycoon." He began his golf business in 1999 and now owns golf courses in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Dubai. This summer, he is scheduled to open a new links golf course in Scotland.

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are high-fiving during a round at the Western Palm Beach Golf Club in Florida, USA, in February 2017. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

In Korea, there is a negative perception of public officials playing golf, but overseas, golf is accepted as both a sport and a means of socializing. Trump also uses golf to open diplomatic dialogues. His first meetings with foreign leaders often start on the golf course. Recently, during a phone call with President Lee Jaemyung, he promised a golf round and proposed that they play together at a future summit. His plan is to build rapport and strengthen diplomatic relations through golf.

President Lee is not an expert golfer. He did not play golf during his later years as Seongnam mayor, his tenure as Gyeonggi governor, or as leader of the Democratic Party. He is known to be at a beginner level. Former President Yoon Sukyeol promised a round with Trump in 2024, but this was canceled after his impeachment in April. Last October, Yoon resumed golf practice at the Taereung Fitness Center (Taereung CC) in Seoul to prepare for his meeting with Trump. It was the first time in eight years he had picked up a golf club since 2016.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also actively used golf for diplomacy. Although his average score was between 90 and 100, he played five rounds with Trump, maintaining a close relationship. Right after Trump was elected in 2017, Abe gifted him a gold-plated golf club, and they once played 27 holes together in a single day. In particular, during Trump’s state visit to Japan in May 2019, their relationship was further strengthened through golf. They spent the entire day together, from breakfast and a golf round to lunch with hamburgers and dinner at an izakaya.

However, during a golf round with Trump and player Hideki Matsuyama in November 2017, Abe made headlines when he fell backward out of a bunker while swinging. Nevertheless, the close relationship between the two leaders continued. US pressure on Japan to increase defense cost-sharing eased, and Abe’s Indo-Pacific strategy was adopted as US policy, further strengthening the US-Japan security alliance.

President Lee Myungbak and President George W Bush are riding a golf cart at Camp David, Maryland, USA, in 2008. Photo by Yonhap News

Former President Lee Myungbak was also active in golf diplomacy. In April 2008, he became the first Korean president to visit Camp David, the US presidential retreat, and rode a golf cart with former President George W Bush. The image of Lee driving the cart and waving his hand remains memorable. Although there was no official round, the two leaders became friends who played golf privately after their terms ended.

When Bush visited Korea in August of the same year, he caught attention by putting his arm around Lee and riding in the Korean presidential vehicle together after a joint press conference. It was highly unusual for a US president to ride in a local vehicle instead of the official armored "Cadillac One" during an overseas trip.