In a weekend that seamlessly blended the worlds of elite sports and global power, Donald Trump once again turned the golf course into his personal stage. Over the 2025 Thanksgiving weekend at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, the 47th President of the United States staged a viral moment that transcended typical Saturday recreation. Flanked by five-time major champion Brooks Koepka and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, Trump silenced skeptics with a clinical chip-in that immediately ignited social media. With the “Great One” and a modern golf titan as his witnesses, the moment served as a defiant exclamation point to a week of golfing bravado, proving that while his address may have changed back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, his “short game” remains as sharp and performative as ever.
A “Great” Saturday in West Palm Beach
The gathering at Trump International on November 29, 2025, was far from a routine round. The foursome consisted of Donald Trump, LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka, hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, and Fox News anchor Bret Baier. Clad in a red “America is Back!” hat, the President appeared relaxed as he navigated the course with a group that represented a combined total of dozens of world titles and championships. The atmosphere was described by onlookers as one of “friendly but fierce” competition, a private social engagement that nevertheless carried the weight of a major sporting event due to the sheer profile of the participants.
For Gretzky, a longtime friend of the President and father-in-law to Dustin Johnson, the outing was a continuation of a decades-long bond, despite recent political noise north of the border. For Koepka, it was a chance to witness firsthand the “scratch golfer” claims that the President had been touting to military members earlier in the week. The presence of such legends ensured that every shot was under the microscope, but it was the President who would ultimately steal the headlines.
The “Winning” Shot Heard Round the Web
The defining moment of the day occurred on a fast, undulating green where the President faced a tricky short-sided chip. As the caddie pulled the pin and the gallery of legends watched in silence, Trump took two rehearsed practice swings before stepping into a low-running chip. The ball tracked perfectly across the grass, breaking slightly from right to left before dropping cleanly into the cup. The reaction was instantaneous; an audible shout of “One time!” erupted from the group as Trump casually trudged off the back of the green, barely acknowledging the “magic” he had just produced.
Trump wasted no time in sharing the highlight on Truth Social and Instagram, captioned with the simple, trademark phrase: “Winning is always nice!” The video quickly amassed millions of views, serving as a visceral rebuttal to those who have questioned his “38 club championships” claim. While critics debated whether the shot was for birdie or par, the technical execution—a “bump and run” with precision trajectory—was undeniable, even to the professional eyes of Koepka.
Thanksgiving Rants and Scratch Claims
The viral chip-in didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was the “receipt” for a series of bold claims Trump made during his annual Thanksgiving video call to U.S. troops. During the call from the White House, the President was asked about his “true golf handicap” by a petty officer. Trump responded by declaring himself “a scratch golfer or maybe even better,” and boasted about a recent victory over a “plus-three player” half his age. He took the opportunity to mock the golfing abilities of his predecessor, reigniting a long-running rivalry over swing strength and distance.
By sinking the shot in front of Koepka—a man known for his own “no-nonsense” approach to the game—Trump effectively validated his narrative of being a “low-handicap” player who doesn’t need practice to perform. The spectacle was a masterclass in his ability to blend personal athletic folklore with his public image, reinforcing a brand centered on success, stamina, and the ability to “hole out” when the cameras are rolling.
The Intersection of Sport and State
Beyond the highlight reel, the outing underscored the unique role golf plays in the 2025 presidency. Unlike typical diplomatic functions, these rounds at West Palm Beach serve as informal summits where the worlds of media (Baier), professional sports (Koepka), and international legacy (Gretzky) collide. The group’s shared history—with Koepka being a close associate of the Gretzky-Johnson clan—created a “Palm Beach inner circle” vibe that provides the President with a sanctuary away from the rigors of the Oval Office.
As the President returned to Mar-a-Lago for the remainder of the holiday weekend, the “Winning is always nice!” clip continued to trend globally. It served as a reminder that for Trump, the golf course is not just a place for leisure, but a secondary theatre of operations where he can demonstrate his vitality. With 2026 on the horizon and major international files on his desk, the President’s message was clear: whether in the boardroom or on the green, he intends to keep the ball in the hole.
