As someone who loves and respects the game of golf immensely, I approached Rick Reilly's "Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump" with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Golf, to me, is not just a sport; it's a testament to integrity, honor, and the unwritten codes that govern fair play. Reilly’s exploration of Donald Trump’s relationship with golf, as detailed in this New York Times bestseller, is both illuminating and disheartening, shedding light on behaviors that starkly contrast with the values true golfers hold dear.
The New Yorker’s observation that Reilly "pokes more holes in Trump's claims than there are sand traps on all of his courses combined" sets the tone for a thorough deconstruction of Trump’s golfing persona. Through meticulous research and a biting sense of humor, Reilly exposes the myriad ways Trump flouts the sacred traditions of the game. From exaggerated claims of his prowess to blatant cheating, the portrait painted is one of profound disrespect for the sport.
Golf, as the Chicago Sun-Times rightly notes, is "the spine of this shocking, wildly humorous book, but humanity is its flesh and spirit." Reilly captures this essence by interweaving his personal encounters with Trump with insights from over 100 interviews with golf professionals, caddies, and developers. The result is a narrative that is as much about the human condition as it is about the game of golf.
Every true golfer understands that golf is a reflection of character. The Ringer’s comment, "Every one of Trump's most disgusting qualities surfaces in golf," resonates deeply. Reilly documents Trump’s cheating—sometimes with the assistance of his caddies and even Secret Service agents—and his fabrications about scores and course rankings. These actions are anathema to the spirit of golf, where honesty and self-regulation are paramount.
One of the most jarring revelations in "Commander in Cheat" is the extent to which Trump disregards golf etiquette. Driving on greens, inflating the value of his courses, and bullying course neighbors are actions that undermine the respect and care that golf courses—and the game itself—deserve. Reilly doesn’t just highlight these transgressions for shock value; he draws a direct line between Trump’s conduct on the course and his behavior in business and politics.
For those of us who cherish the game, reading about Trump’s “Trump Bump”—where his scores magically improve—and his dubious claims of winning numerous club championships is both infuriating and saddening. Golf is a game that reveals the true nature of a person, as Reilly aptly notes: "Golf is like bicycle shorts. It reveals a lot about a man."
Esquire’s description of the book as painting "a side-splitting portrait of a congenital cheater" underscores the dark humor Reilly employs. Yet, beyond the laughs lies a serious indictment of Trump’s character. Reilly’s account suggests that Trump’s win-at-all-costs mentality and disdain for rules are not confined to the golf course but are pervasive in all aspects of his life.
In conclusion, "Commander in Cheat" is a must-read for anyone who loves golf and believes in the integrity it stands for. Rick Reilly’s work is a stark reminder of how the values we hold dear in this beloved sport can be subverted by those who prioritize personal gain over fair play. This book serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to uphold the honor that is at the heart of golf. For true golfers, it is a sobering yet essential exploration of what happens when the spirit of the game is compromised.
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