Donald Trump once claimed he shot a stunning 67 at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster—a score that immediately raised eyebrows because it was lower than Phil Mickelson’s recent round on the very same course.
This claim, made on August 27, 2023, quickly became one of Trump’s most talked-about golf boasts. And it wasn’t just the win that caught attention; it was the number itself. A 67 from any amateur player is impressive, but on a course that had just hosted elite professionals, it was even more striking.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump announced he had won the Senior Club Championship at Bedminster with a round of 67. “I am pleased to report, for those that care, that I just won the Senior Club Championship (must be over 50 years old!) at Bedminster, shooting a round of 67,” he wrote. “Now, some people will think that sounds low, but there is no hanky/lanky.”
He added: “Many people watch, plus I am surrounded by Secret Service Agents. Not much you can do even if you wanted to, and I don’t. For some reason, I am just a good golfer/athlete—I have won many Club Championships, and it is always a great honor!”
Trump clearly anticipated skepticism, which is why his post included a defense before critics could even react. The phrase “no hanky/lanky” became part of the story, as it highlighted his effort to address doubts about such a low score.
The reason this claim spread so widely? The Phil Mickelson comparison. About two weeks earlier, Mickelson had shot 75 at Bedminster during a Saudi-backed LIV Golf event. That meant Trump’s claimed 67 was eight shots better than a six-time major champion’s score on the same course.
At first glance, that comparison seems implausible. But course context matters. Trump was playing in a senior club event, not a professional LIV tournament. That likely meant different tees, friendlier course conditions, and perhaps less punishing rough. So while the numbers make for a great talking point, they don’t tell the whole story—especially when it comes to the difference between amateur and professional setups.