Ernie Els and Retief Goosen Visit White House for Talks with Trump

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen met with President Trump alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to address claims about violence against white farmers. The meeting, held in the White House, aimed to counter Trump’s accusations concerning the racial dynamics in South Africa. Both golfers emphasized a need for healing and coexistence in their home country while seeking support from the United States.

In a surprising turn of events, prominent South African golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen found themselves in the White House meeting with President Donald Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 21, 2025. This invitation occurred amid rising tensions regarding Trump’s claims about the safety of white farmers in South Africa, allegations which the South African government has vehemently denied.

Golf legends Els and Goosen, members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, were part of Ramaphosa’s delegation aimed at addressing Trump’s unfounded assertions about land seizures and violence targeting white farmers. Despite the President’s claims of a “genocide,” experts point out that evidence of racially targeted violence against white farmers is lacking. Rather, all farmers, irrespective of race, face violent attacks, owing to the nation’s high crime rates.

During the Oval Office meeting, Els expressed pride in his South African heritage, stating, “We want to see things get better in our home country.” He stressed the importance of moving forward and healing from the nation’s painful past, mentioning that a lot of anger remains from the apartheid era. Ramaphosa noted Els’s comments, sharing that he had spoken to fellow golfing great Gary Player about the upcoming discussions.

The backdrop of the meeting was certainly tense, given Trump’s actions, such as cutting off U.S. aid to South Africa and welcoming white South African farmers to the U.S. as refugees. Trump’s accusations extend beyond farmers to the country’s leadership, claiming it pursued anti-white policies and an anti-American stance.

Els drew attention to Nelson Mandela’s efforts toward reconciliation, emphasizing that Mandela did not harbor hatred upon being released from prison after 27 years. Instead, Mandela aimed to unite South Africa through sports, notably during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Els noted, “I don’t think two wrongs make a right.”

The golfers were in Washington for the Senior PGA Championship taking place at Congressional Country Club. Goosen, who has faced his own challenges, including recovering from being struck by lightning, discussed the ongoing struggles of farmers in South Africa, highlighting the threats they face on their land. He stated, “It is a concern to try to make a living as a farmer.”

While Els and Trump have developed a friendship over the years, the golfer clarified that their conversations rarely revolved around politics. With a nod to the gifts his family has received from the U.S., he indicated the importance of honoring that relationship nonetheless, declaring, “It’s basically honoring what the United States has done for me and my family.”

This unusual meeting between South African golfing legends, their president, and Donald Trump highlights the complex issues facing South Africa today. It underscores the ongoing debate regarding land ownership, safety for farmers, and the historical context from the apartheid era. Els and Goosen’s presence reflects a desire for constructive dialogue and improved relations while they continue to navigate their legacy in golf against a backdrop of political tension.

Original Source: apnews.com