Trump, South African president talk to pro golf greats about country

A meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump at the White House took an unexpected turn when two high-profile South African golfers, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, were brought into a tense exchange on Wednesday.

The meeting began on a cordial note, but things escalated when Trump confronted Ramaphosa with a video that allegedly showed mistreatment of white farmers in South Africa. Trump also presented the South African president with documents detailing what he claimed were accounts of thousands of Afrikaners being killed.

Ramaphosa vehemently denied the claims and insisted that the videos did not reflect the policies of his government. It was at this point that Els and Goosen were brought into the discussion.

Trump welcomed the golfers, praising their talent and contribution to South Africa’s golfing legacy. Els, a former world No. 1 golfer, expressed his pride in being South African and called for unity, referencing the country’s apartheid era and emphasizing the need to move forward together.

Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open winner, shared personal anecdotes about the challenges faced by farmers in South Africa, including his own family members who had been victims of crime on their farms. He highlighted the constant fear and security measures farmers had to take to protect themselves and their properties.

Both Els and Goosen expressed their desire to see their country thrive and hoped that the meeting would lead to positive outcomes for South Africa. The golfers’ personal experiences and perspectives added a unique dimension to the discussion, shedding light on the challenges faced by farmers in the country.

Els and Goosen have a history with Trump, with the U.S. president having posted a photo with Els at Trump National Doral in 2013. Trump’s affinity for golf and his real estate investments in golf courses further solidify his connection to the sport and the players involved.

Overall, the meeting between the South African leaders and President Trump, with the inclusion of Els and Goosen, showcased the intersection of sports, politics, and personal experiences. The golfers’ insights provided a valuable perspective on the issues facing South Africa, highlighting the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing complex issues.