WASHINGTON (AP) — They debated the economy, immigration and foreign policy, but it was a discussion about golf handicaps that brought out some of the most acrimonious comments in Thursday’s debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Responding to a question about his physical fitness, Trump, who would be 82 at the end of his second term if he wins the November election, boasted of being in “very good shape” and having recently won two championships at one of his golf courses. “To do that, you have to be pretty smart and you have to be able to hit the ball pretty far,” Trump said.
Biden “can’t hit a ball 50 yards,” he added.
Biden then showed off his own golf skills. “When I was vice president, I lowered my handicap to six,” Biden said, and again challenged Trump to a round of golf, but only if Trump carried his own clubs.
“Do you think you can do it?” asked Biden, whose handicap is listed on the United States Golf Association website as 6.7, last updated in July 2018. Trump’s handicap, last updated in June 2021, is listed as 2.5. Biden would be 86 at the end of his second term.
Trump called Biden’s handicap claim “the biggest lie of all,” adding: “I’ve seen your swing. I know your swing.”
Trump then tried to shut down the golf discussion.
“Let’s not act like children,” Trump said.
“You’re a child,” Biden replied.
Both have faced questions during the campaign about their physical and mental fitness to lead the country.
In golf, handicap is a measure of a player’s ability. The lower the handicap, the better the player.
