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On the ‘Trump Bump’ lookout

Can you imagine President Donald Trump visiting and playing golf at Marietta Country Club or Parkersburg Country Club?

Never gonna happen.

Well…maybe I shouldn’t say never, because since 1980 two former Presidents were on the campaign trail in the Mid-Ohio Valley — Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

But Trump?

Air Force One would probably have to make an emergency landing at Wood County Airport, north of Parkersburg, for that to happen.

If Trump did grace the good people of the MOV with his presence, he more than likely would want to tee it up at one of the local private courses.

You see, the President, if you didn’t already know by now, is a golfing enthusiast — and that might be putting it mildly.

Recently, Trump was featured in a book called “Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump,” by author Rick Reilly. As the title reveals, it’s not exactly a flattering narrative of the Leader of the Free World.

And without elaborating or being a spoiler, it is both an enlightening and amusing story for golfers and non-golfers alike.

I personally do not golf (Neither did Jimmy Carter or Harry Truman.), but am familiar with most of the courses in the area, thanks to my job. And, I definitely can understand the attraction of golf, being outside and in the fresh air, competing, etc.

As the author points out, Trump hasn’t been the only President to cheat on the links. Clinton did also.

But Trump has taken it to a new and in some instances comical level. His score always gets what is called the “Trump Bump.”

According to Reilly and many others, Trump is really a “decent player” and a good, fun, golfing companion on the course.

But,,,the President is all about winning at whatever it takes. Like…cheating. Enough said. You need to read the book.

Know, though, that Trump as of late last year “owned 14 golf courses and operated or will operate another five.” Since becoming President, he’s played only on his links, which makes sense.

So, if he ever did play at MCC or PCC, it would be a first in many ways for the area.

It also would be a spectacle of sorts with all of the security around. According to Reilly, there could be as many as “60 Secret Service agents, six SWAT guys, and 30 carts” following The President.

Needless to say, some local traffic cops on the course might also be necessary.

Before any of that occurs here in the MOV, I’ll be celebrating my first ace (and I don’t even play LOL).

But to get an idea of what it could be like with the President swinging away…you just need to read Reilly’s book yourself, and make up your own mind.

By the way, Brittany Lincicome, who has golfed several times at PCC, is quoted on page 204.

Ron Johnston is a sports writer and can be reached at rjohnston@mariettatimes.com

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