Trump blends golf anecdotes and praise at White House event with US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau
.@POTUS invites @brysondech to speak at today's White House Christmas party: "What the President has done in this term has been incredible." pic.twitter.com/24iwK49x8I
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 14, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC: Golf, not politics, briefly took center stage at a White House event on Sunday, December 14, as President Donald Trump used the sport to praise family, athleticism and championship mentality. He weaved personal anecdotes with an extended tribute to 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.
Trump, a longtime golfer and golf course owner, framed the remarks as part admiration, part storytelling, and part personal comparison, speaking at length about DeChambeau’s power, skill and mental toughness.
Trump says he used to think he 'hit a long ball'
Introducing DeChambeau, Trump opened with a familiar self-referential note, measuring the champion’s game against his own.
“He hits a long ball, slightly longer than me,” Trump said. “I used to think I hit a long ball until I played with him.”
Trump described DeChambeau as the longest hitter in professional golf, but quickly emphasized that distance alone does not win championships.
“He’s the longest hitter in golf. But much more importantly, he putts great. He chips great. He hits the ball dead straight,” Trump said. “When you’re the longest, straightest hitter who putts and chips the best, you usually do pretty well.”
Trump also highlighted DeChambeau’s financial success, tying it to performance and mindset rather than pure talent.
“He just signed a contract for like $200 million,” Trump said. “But what he’s got better than all of his game is the head. He knows how to win.”
Trump narrates dramatic US Open finish
Trump’s longest golf-related remarks came as he retold DeChambeau’s closing moments at the US Open, delivering the play-by-play like a broadcaster reliving a classic finish.
“Coming up the 18th fairway, he needed a par to win the US Open,” Trump said. “He pulled his drive about 360 yards into a bush.”
According to Trump, the situation worsened quickly. “He chopped it out into a sand trap. Now he’s 54 yards away, the worst shot in golf,” Trump said.
“Behind the green is the clubhouse- two-stroke penalty. In front are the worst bushes you’ve ever seen.”
Trump said DeChambeau’s caddie urged caution, recommending a safer shot to secure victory. “His caddie wanted him to play safe,” Trump said. “Bryson said, ‘No, we go for the win.’”
The president paused for emphasis before delivering the conclusion.
“He hits it four feet from the hole,” Trump said. “Four-foot putt, breaking right- harder than left. He stands over it, sinks it, and wins the US Open.”
Trump summed up the moment succinctly, “That’s a champion’s heart.”
Trump links family, golf and the next generation
Golf also served as a bridge to Trump’s family-focused remarks. Introducing his grandchildren, Trump singled out Kai Trump for her abilities on the course.
“Kai is a great golfer,” Trump said, addressing her directly. “Kai, can you beat your grandpa in golf? I don’t know. But she’s great.”
Trump described his grandchildren as “great athletes.”
Bryson DeChambeau returns compliment to Trump
DeChambeau, for his part, praised Trump’s enthusiasm for the sport and credited the president for encouraging young people.
“I’ve gotten to know him over the past decade,” DeChambeau said. “What he’s done not just for the country, but for families and kids, is unbelievable.”
The golfer said Trump’s words to young athletes matter, describing moments when the president encourages children by telling them, “You’re doing great. Keep going forward.”
