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Olympic Swimmer Claims Loss to Trump in 2018 Golf Match

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. mer-claims-loss-to-trump-in-2018-golf-match.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 13:53 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Palm Beach, FL - February 20, 2026 - Hunter Hess, a decorated U.S. Olympic swimmer, has ignited a flurry of online discussion after recounting a 2018 golf match where he claims to have lost to former President Donald Trump. The revelation, shared on Hess's X (formerly Twitter) account, has quickly spread, capturing the imagination of sports fans and political observers alike. While seemingly a lighthearted anecdote, the story offers a glimpse into the competitive spirit of the former president and raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the match.

Hess's initial post was concise: "Lost to Trump in a golf tourney in 2018. He played aggressive golf and conceded a bet." He followed up by clarifying that Trump, despite his competitive edge, was "a good guy" and that Hess hadn't fully grasped the identity of his opponent until after the game. "I didn't realize until after the fact that I was playing with the president," he added.

The details, while sparse, paint a picture of a surprisingly focused and determined Trump on the golf course. Hess's description of "aggressive golf" suggests a playing style prioritizing distance and bold shots, rather than a more conservative approach. This aligns with reports from others who have played with Trump over the years, often describing a similar willingness to take risks and a relentless pursuit of victory.

The mention of a conceded bet is particularly intriguing. It implies a friendly wager was made prior to the start of the round, adding a layer of stakes to the encounter. The fact that Trump conceded suggests either a gentlemanly acknowledgement of a losing position or, potentially, a strategic maneuver to maintain a positive relationship with Hess, a high-profile athlete. Given Trump's known penchant for negotiating, the latter possibility isn't far-fetched.

This isn't the first time Trump's golfing habits have made headlines. Throughout his presidency and beyond, the former president has been a frequent presence on golf courses, and his game has been a subject of both admiration and scrutiny. Numerous anecdotes have emerged describing his competitive nature, his habit of improving his score through generous rulings, and his overall enjoyment of the sport.

While the details of the 2018 tournament remain unclear - the location, the other participants, and the specific amount of the bet are unknown - the incident has sparked a renewed interest in Trump's golfing prowess. Several golf analysts have weighed in, speculating on Trump's handicap and comparing his style to other prominent figures in the golfing world. Some suggest his aggressive approach, while occasionally leading to errors, gives him the potential for surprisingly low scores.

As of today, February 20th, 2026, representatives for Donald Trump have not issued a public statement regarding Hess's claims. This silence has fueled further speculation online, with some users demanding confirmation or denial from the former president himself. The lack of an immediate response is unusual given Trump's active presence on social media and his tendency to address criticism directly.

The story has resonated with many, not just for its unusual pairing, but also for the lightheartedness it brings to the often-polarized political landscape. It's a reminder that even figures as prominent as a former president and an Olympic athlete are, at their core, individuals who enjoy competition and a good game. The image of Trump and Hess battling it out on the greens offers a rare, humanizing moment amidst the constant scrutiny and political maneuvering.

Whether the story is a simple recounting of a friendly match or a more nuanced episode with underlying political implications, it's clear that Hunter Hess's tweet has tapped into a widespread fascination with the personal lives and hobbies of public figures. It will be interesting to see if further details emerge and if Trump will eventually offer his own account of the 2018 golf tournament.