Harry Kane confirms surreal golf outing with Donald Trump

Harry Kane has confirmed he played a round of golf with U.S. President Donald Trump 18 months ago in Palm Beach, Florida, describing the encounter as a “surreal” experience. The England captain revealed the details during a press conference ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, following public praise from Trump after England’s victory over Mexico.

The meeting, which took place in Palm Beach, Florida, was recounted by Kane as a unique opportunity. “When the President invites you somewhere… it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him,” Kane said. He acknowledged Trump’s golfing skills, noting, “His golf is pretty good, to be honest. I hope I can play golf as well as him when I’m his age.”

Trump, 80, had previously mentioned the round in a social media post, calling Kane “a great player” and referencing their time on the course. The England captain’s confirmation came after the U.S. President praised him again following England’s 3-2 win over Mexico, where Kane scored a decisive goal. “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, a post that reignited interest in the golf story.

Kane, 32, said the invitation arrived during a trip to Florida, where he was part of a pre-tournament training camp for England’s World Cup squad. The captain emphasized the novelty of the situation, stating, “It was a unique experience. I was just grateful that he invited me down to play with him.” The round, which took place in January 2025, was not disclosed publicly until Trump’s recent comments, though Kane had previously alluded to it in interviews.

The encounter has drawn attention amid England’s World Cup campaign, with Kane’s off-field interactions adding a layer of intrigue to his role as captain. The 32-year-old, who has scored six goals in the tournament, is now focused on facing Norway in Miami. His comments about Trump’s golf game, however, have sparked discussion about the intersection of sports and politics, particularly given Trump’s public profile.

Trump’s remarks about Kane highlight a rare moment of public praise. The U.S. President, known for his frequent public commentary, described Kane as “a good golfer too. He’s really great.” The England captain, in turn, expressed admiration for Trump’s ability to maintain his golfing prowess at 80, a point he repeated across multiple interviews. “I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure,” Kane said.

The golf outing also coincided with a broader period of high-profile sporting events in Florida. England’s pre-tournament camp included a practice session with golf legend Brooks Koepka, who joined players like Jordan Pickford and John Stones at an exclusive club. While the golf meeting with Trump was a separate event, it underscored the presence of elite athletes and figures in the region during the World Cup buildup.

Kane’s revelations have not overshadowed England’s focus on the tournament, but they have provided a glimpse into the personal connections shaping the team’s journey. Manager Thomas Tuchel, who has emphasized the need for “bravery” in the knockout stages, has not commented directly on the golf story. However, he has acknowledged the challenges of the World Cup, including the pressure of facing Norway and the physical demands of the competition.

As England prepares for their quarter-final clash, the golf anecdote remains a footnote in a tournament defined by high-stakes matches and dramatic moments. For Kane, it serves as a reminder of the unexpected opportunities that come with global stardom. “It was a unique experience,” he said, “and I’m just grateful he invited me to play.”