''I shouldn't say this, but I have to be Trump"

Mark Wogenrich profiles Trump National Bedminster on the eve of hosting the boys and girls U.S. Junior Amateur.

Is the place U.S. Open-worthy? You decide.

Trump already has.

''I shouldn't say this, but I have to be Trump,'' he said. ''I know Bethpage [site of this year's U.S. Open] better than anybody. I've played it hundreds and hundreds of times. Honestly, these courses are better. That's not politically correct, but I don't care.''

Hundreds and hundreds of times eh?

Comments

[Mike T.]

Re: "hundreds and hundreds of times." Once a bloviator, always a bloviator.

[The O]

I've played National's old course about half a dozen times. Its a great facility. It could probably handle the open and would be a decent test. There's a few other uber-private clubs around there that are better, IMHO, but its probably hard enough. 18 is kind of funny. There's the ordinary "back tees, and its 550-ish, uphill. Then you look back through some trees and crap and there's the tips 100 yards further back. Yowzer. But, there's no water or anything on it. From the back, no one will hit it in two, so it becomes a wedge festival. But, no one's going to make some huge number and blow the open, either.

[The O]

And, Yes, Trump sleeps in his car to play the black. Right.

[Aunt Blabbie]

The Donald does not exaggerate too much. God bless him.

[Ken]

If Trump has played ANY public, non-resort course (other than his own Trump Nat'l LA) more than once, I'd be shocked.

[Phil the Author]

I'm sorry, but the Donald didn't "bloviate" or exaggerate" he flat-out LIED!

[Farmingdale]

Comments like this are exactly the reason why the USGA will never take a US Open to a Trump course...

(well, there is also that little issue of a wealth of better venues to choose from)

[shug]

If Trump ever gets an Open, it will answer the question, Is golf for sale? Come to think of it, that question has already been answered . . .The Road of Dubai!!!!