Harry Kane has opened up about what it was like to play golf with Donald Trump, offering his verdict on the president’s game after the pair shared a round around 18 months ago.
Trump’s enthusiasm for golf is well established, and he regularly spends time on the course with high-profile guests. One of those guests was Kane, who was invited to Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach during a visit to Palm Beach last year.
The England captain, who has spent the last two seasons at Bayern Munich after leaving Tottenham in 2023, was speaking as he prepared for England’s clash with Norway on Saturday, July 11. Kane said the invitation stood out as a memorable moment, describing it as a surreal chance to meet Trump and play alongside him.
“He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. When the President invites you somewhere, it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and to play golf with him.”
Kane also shared his honest assessment of Trump’s ability on the course, suggesting the president’s game is stronger than some might expect.
“His golf is pretty good to be honest with you. I hope I can play as well as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure,” the Bayern Munich forward added.
“Unique experience. Grateful he invited me down to play with him.”
Kane said his own performance on the day was only ‘pretty alright’, but the meeting clearly left an impression.
The England captain’s comments followed Trump’s own remarks earlier this week, when he confirmed that he had previously played with the striker.
“I think Kane is a great player,” the president said in the Oval Office earlier this week. “I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer too. He’s really great.”
Those comments came after Trump watched Kane feature against Mexico last weekend, a game England won 3-2 against the tournament co-hosts.
Trump appeared to enjoy what he saw from the forward and later praised him publicly on Truth Social.
“Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”
Trump’s presence has remained part of the wider World Cup conversation, even though he has not been a regular fixture at matches in person. His comments, along with the attention surrounding his golf outings and public praise for players, have added an extra layer of off-field intrigue to the tournament.
Although Trump has not been present at World Cup matches in person, he has still become part of the wider conversation around the tournament, particularly following FIFA’s decision to reverse Folarin Balogun’s red card.
The US forward had been sent off in the team’s last-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but he was still available for the 4-1 loss to Belgium after Trump held a phone conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Under normal FIFA regulations, Balogun would have been suspended for the fixture. Instead, the governing body opted to delay the ban for a year.
Trump responded quickly to that outcome by posting a message of thanks on Truth Social.
“Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The White House later addressed the matter in a statement.
“The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension.
“The appeal process is run by an independent board.
“The U.S. government provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process.
“Ultimately the correct and proper outcome was achieved.”