Posted on: July 11, 2024, 10:00h.
Last updated on: July 11, 2024, 10:08h.
Former President Donald Trump is challenging the man he hopes to oust from the White House come November to an 18-hole championship golf match. The dare comes after the two United States presidents bickered about their golf handicaps during the June 27, debate.
President Joe Biden remains on the defensive following his dismal debate performance that resulted in many calls for him to step down from seeking a second four-year time as commander-in-chief. Several Democratic congressional lawmakers have urged the 81-year-old to fold on his 2024 campaign after the president struggled to complete his sentences and often stood with his mouth agape while his opponent spoke.
There were many gaffes from the president, and Democrats claimed there were many lies told by Trump. But the spectacle was highlighted by the two presidents sparring over who is the better golfer.
After arguing over their physical abilities, Biden said he’d “be happy to have a driving contest” with Trump.
“I got my handicap when I was vice president down to a six,” Biden said. “I told you before, I’m happy to play golf with you if you carry your own bag. Think you can do it?”
“That’s the biggest lie that he’s a six handicap,” Trump responded.
“I was an eight handicap,” Biden then said.
“I’ve seen your swing,” Trump countered.
Golf Match Odds
This week, Trump extended an offer to his rival for the two to play a round of golf. If Biden wins, Trump, the former casino magnate worth billions, has pledged to donate $1 million to Biden’s charity of choice.
I’m officially offering Joe the chance to redeem himself,” Trump said during a rally in Florida this week. “I am officially challenging crooked Joe to an 18-hole golf match.”
Trump suggested the match be held at his Trump National Doral Golf Resort in Miami.
Several online sportsbooks released hypothetical odds on such a head-to-head match, though no wagering is being facilitated. Trump is the heavy favorite with odds around -3300. Biden is the long underdog at +1200. Trump would also be favored in a long drive contest at -2500 to Biden at +1000.
Of course, none of this is going to happen.
Joe Biden doesn’t have time for Donald Trump’s weird antics — he’s busy leading America and defending the free world. Donald Trump is a liar, a convict, and a fraud only out for himself — par for the course,” said Biden spokesperson James Singer.
According to GHIN, the Golf Handicap Information Network run by the United States Golf Association, Trump has an active handicap of 2.5, though he hasn’t posted a score since June 2021. Biden’s handicap is 6.7, though he hasn’t posted a score since July 2018.
Latest Odds
With calls for him to suspend his campaign, VP Kamala Harris now has the second-shortest odds of winning in November behind Trump.
Harris has shortened to +500, while Biden has lengthened to +550. Trump remains the front-runner at -225. The line implies a winning likelihood of nearly 70%.
Actor George Clooney, who only last month held a star-studded fundraiser in Hollywood for Biden, came out this week calling for the president to exit the race.
“I love Joe Biden. I consider him a friend,” Clooney wrote in a New York Times op-ed. “It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”