Topline
Former President Donald Trump sparked a bout of golf trash talk during Thursday’s presidential debate, doubting the swinging skills of President Joe Biden, who said he was “happy to have a driving contest” with Trump.
The debate began at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday. (Photo by CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA/AFP via Getty Images)
Key Facts
78-year-old Trump and 81-year-old Biden were asked about their age during the debate, and Trump—who insisted he’s easily passed multiple cognitive tests—used the question to boast about two non-senior club championships he claimed to win and say Biden could not hit a ball fifty yards.
Biden remarked about Trump’s height and weight in response, saying he would be happy to play golf with the former president if he carries his own bag.
Biden claimed he has a handicap of 6 in golf, meaning he is expected to take six strokes above the par score of a given course, which Trump called “a lie,” adding “I’ve seen your swing.”
Trump said, “Let’s not act like children,” as the trash talk ceased, to which Biden responded, “You are a child.”
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Key Background
Trump was often photographed playing golf during his presidency, playing more than 300 rounds during his time in office, according to the Associated Press. The former president’s play style during a 2022 pro-am tournament was characterized by The New York Times as a “barge-ahead style” including the scooping up of shots that were too hard to make. Biden hit the greens several times as vice president, the AP reported, noting three years ago that the president’s handicap was just over six, citing the United States Golf Association.
Further Viewing
Further Reading
Biden Calls Trump A ‘Sucker’ And ‘Loser’ In Debate (Forbes)
Here’s What RFK Jr. And Third-Party Candidates Are Doing Instead Of CNN’s Debate (Forbes)