Ernie Els and Retief Goosen Meet Trump Amid Controversial Claims on South Africa
Ernie Els and Retief Goosen attended a White House meeting with President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The meeting addressed Trump’s controversial claims regarding violence against white farmers in South Africa, which Ramaphosa’s government firmly rejects. The golfers emphasized the need for unity and positive dialogue as they prepare for the Senior PGA Championship in Maryland.
In a surprising turn of events, renowned golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen found themselves meeting President Donald Trump at the White House on May 21, 2025, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The gathering takes place amid escalating tensions regarding claims made by Trump about violence against white farmers in South Africa—a narrative the South African government disputes vehemently.
Els and Goosen, both celebrated figures in the golf world with a combined six U.S. Open titles under their belt, joined Ramaphosa to address these contentious claims. Trump has previously accused South Africa’s government of land seizures and anti-white policies, actions that have recently led him to cut all U.S. assistance to the nation. Despite Trump’s allegations, many experts assert there is no substantiated evidence of a race-targeted genocide against white farmers in South Africa; rather, violent home invasions affect farmers of all races due to the country’s high crime rate.
Interestingly, Trump—a former golf course developer—has often mingled with top golfers, including Els, whom he first played with around eight years ago. During the meeting, Ramaphosa remarked on his discussions with Gary Player, the legendary golfer who is now nearly 90. Player, unable to attend due to his age, expressed his best wishes for the meeting’s outcomes.
“I am proud to be a South African,” Els affirmed when invited to speak by Trump. He emphasized the need for improvement within their home country post-apartheid. He noted the anger stemming from historical injustices but insisted that retaliation is not a viable solution, evoking the legacy of Nelson Mandela who championed unity instead of division.
With mention of sporting moments that helped unify the nation, Els pointed to memorable events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup and his own triumphs in the sport. Regarding the issues at hand, Els stated, “This has been a long time coming,” stressing the desire for South Africa to thrive in cooperation with international partners, including the U.S.
Goosen shared a more personal perspective, reflecting on his upbringing on a farm, which remains in his family. He acknowledged the struggles that accompany farming in an environment rife with tension. “It is a concern to try to make a living as a farmer,” he shared, illustrating the drudgery that can accompany agricultural endeavors at present.
Both golfers were in Washington for the Senior PGA Championship, which was set to begin soon at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. Despite some political undercurrents, Els maintained that the primary goal was to foster a better future for all South Africans, while fostering dialogue at the highest levels of government, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for progress.
As meetings at the White House continue to reshape perceptions of South Africa’s situation, the intersection of sports and politics remains as complex as ever for these athletes striving for a prosperous homeland.
The meeting at the White House brought together notable figures from South Africa and highlighted the ongoing political and social challenges in the country. Els and Goosen’s presence at such a historically charged moment underscores the need for constructive dialogue in addressing the concerns surrounding alleged violence against white farmers. Their continued advocacy for unity and improvement in their homeland serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperative efforts, both within South Africa and internationally. As they prepare for the Senior PGA Championship, these golfers also carry the weight of their country’s narrative with them, hoping for a more inclusive future.
Original Source: apnews.com
