Golfer’s Tense Exchange at the White House

A well-known golfer from South Africa found himself in a charged conversation at the White House on Wednesday. Ernie Els and Retief Goosen attended a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

The meeting began on a fairly earnest note, but quickly shifted in tone. Trump confronted Ramaphosa regarding a video that purportedly highlighted abuses toward white farmers. The U.S. president also presented documents alleging the murder of “thousands” of Africans.

In response, Ramaphosa firmly denied these claims, clarifying that the statements in the video do not reflect his government’s policies. Following this, Els and Goosen entered the discussion.

Trump, while introducing the South African president, expressed gratitude for the golfers’ contributions, saying, “I’m so grateful for what you’ve done, and it really helps us in our thinking process.” He seemed to appreciate the presence of these athletes and mentioned their outstanding skills.

Els, who once held the world’s number one ranking in golf, referred to the “apartheid era” during his time at the meeting, explaining he was a “prideful South African” eager for unity. He acknowledged the anger that permeated through the years of transition, stating, “We grew up in the apartheid era, but I don’t think two mistakes are right.”

Els expressed his hope for constructive discussions during the meeting, saying, “We really wanted to see you, see the government and see our country prosperous.” He seemed genuinely invested in the future of his homeland.

Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion, shared concerns about farming in South Africa, revealing personal connections to the issues addressed. He mentioned his father’s experiences in real estate and farming, noting the tragic incidents involving partner farmers. “The farm is still ongoing,” he said, but admitted, “it’s a constant battle with the farm. … They’re trying to drive you away.”

This conversation took a darker turn as Goosen spoke about the security measures his family had to adopt, including living behind an electric fence due to fears of crime. He recounted a horrifying incident where his mother was attacked in their home at the age of 80, illustrating the very real fears faced by many.

Both Els and Goosen have previously interacted with Trump, and the president’s interest in golf was evident. In fact, he has a collection of golf courses in his real estate portfolio, showcasing his long-standing affinity for the sport.