Donald Trump’s recent PGA Cadillac Championship at his Doral Golf Club in Florida was marked by unprecedented low attendance and missing star players. Throughout the tournament, crowds were virtually nonexistent. On Thursday, there were zero spectators at the usually busy 18th hole. By Friday, only 12 to 20 fans showed up, and Saturday saw a peak of roughly 50 people. Even with the world's number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, playing, the event failed to draw a crowd. The lack of attendance was compounded by heavy, TSA-style security measures implemented for Trump's Sunday visit, which required spectators to undergo multiple screenings. The event's schedule was abruptly changed to an early morning start on Sunday, ostensibly due to weather, though observers noted the entire tournament lacked energy and appeal. Additionally, Trump utilized Air Force One for the exceptionally short, 70-mile trip from Palm Beach to Doral to attend the event.The failure at Doral coincides with the struggles of the Saudi-backed LIV golf tournament, which Trump previously supported. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has withdrawn funding for LIV, feeling betrayed by unfulfilled promises regarding Middle East security from Trump's administration. Meanwhile, Trump is attempting a hostile takeover of Washington, D.C.'s East Potomac Golf Course. His proposed redesign for a new championship course would destroy highly utilized public spaces, including softball and cricket fields, bike lanes, and potentially the city's famous cherry blossom trees. The plan aims to replace these public amenities with a restricted course featuring triumphal arches and golden ballrooms.Adding to the disastrous weekend, a prominent influencer and supporter with ties to Trump was arrested on human trafficking charges. The individual, who had recently been photographed with Trump, was caught in a prostitution sting by local law enforcement while the golf tournament was taking place.Beyond the recent tournament, Trump has a heavily documented history of blatantly cheating at golf. Although he claims an elite 2.8 handicap, professionals and observers estimate he actually plays at a 9 or 10 handicap. His caddies have reportedly nicknamed him "Pele" because he frequently kicks his ball out of the rough. His methods of cheating include taking "gimmie" chip-ins, throwing his ball out of bunkers, and driving his cart ahead of other players to secretly reposition his shots. In one egregious instance during a team scramble event, he demanded a trophy for "low individual net"—a category that did not exist in that format—and had a staff member dump water from a restroom flower vase to serve as a makeshift award. Observers note that his consistent need to cheat at a game based on the honor system reflects a deeper psychological need to assert dominance, raising serious questions about his willingness to cheat in politics, business, and life.
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