Golf Legends Meet with Trump and Ramaphosa: A Discussion on South Africa’s Future

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen met with President Trump and President Ramaphosa in the White House to discuss Trump’s contentious claims about violence against white farmers in South Africa. The meeting aimed to foster a message of unity and constructive dialogue for a better future in South Africa.

In an unexpected turn of events, renowned golfer Ernie Els, along with fellow South African Retief Goosen, found themselves in an important meeting at the White House on May 21, 2025, with President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This unexpected encounter was not simply a social call, but rather a diplomatic discussion stemming from heightened tensions regarding claims of violence against white farmers in South Africa, a narrative strongly promoted by Trump.

The gathering also included prominent businessman Johann Rupert, and it came amid Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that the South African government was engaged in a systemic campaign against its white farmers. Despite these claims, experts assert there is little evidence supporting the notion that white farmers are specifically targeted for their race. In reality, violent home invasions afflict individuals regardless of their ethnicity in South Africa’s challenging socio-economic climate.

Els and Goosen, who together boast six U.S. Open titles, attended the meeting as part of Ramaphosa’s delegation. Trump had previously curbed U.S. aid to South Africa while also welcoming several white South African farmers as refugees, indicating his strong stance on the issue. Trump is known to be comfortable discussing golf with legendary players, having maintained a friendship with Els since they began playing golf together several years ago.

President Ramaphosa referenced his earlier conversations with Els and Goosen during the Oval Office meeting, indicating the importance of their presence. He also mentioned legendary golfer Gary Player, who, at 90, offered his well-wishes for the upcoming discussions; Player had previously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

During the meeting, Els expressed a deep desire for improvement in South Africa, mentioning the historical context of the country’s struggles with apartheid. “We want to see things get better in our home country. That’s the bottom line. It’s been 35 years since the transition (from apartheid),” said Els, emphasizing the need for unity.

Reflecting on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who led South Africa’s transition away from apartheid, Els noted Mandela’s approach of forgiveness rather than hatred post-release from prison. He remarked on how Mandela fostered national unity through sports, using the rugby World Cup and golf achievements as examples of this progress.

Both Els and Goosen were in Washington to participate in the Senior PGA Championship at Congressional Country Club. Els highlighted the importance of the meeting, stating, “What I’m trying to say is this has been a long time coming. We still want to see our country flourish.” Goosen, returning to his farming roots briefly shared challenges faced by farmers, stating, “It is a concern to try to make a living as a farmer.”

As these esteemed athletes returned to the golf scene, the hope remains that their message of coexistence and a brighter future resonates beyond the walls of the White House and into the broader narrative surrounding South Africa’s socio-political landscape.

In summary, the meeting at the White House brought together South African golfing legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen with President Trump and President Cyril Ramaphosa to address sensitive accusations surrounding racial violence against white farmers in South Africa. Els underscored the need for unity and a positive future while referencing the legacy of Nelson Mandela. As golfers, both Els and Goosen plan to focus on their game while also advocating for constructive dialogue and coexistence in their homeland.

Original Source: apnews.com