Ernie Els and Retief Goosen visited the White House, showcasing the power of golf diplomacy.
A Historic Visit to The White House
On May 21, 2025, golf legends Ernie Els and Retief Goosen made a historic visit to the White House as part of a South African delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. They accompanied Ramaphosa during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which aimed to strengthen ties between the two nations. Ahead of the visit, Ramaphosa shared its objectives on X: “The trade relations between South Africa and the United States will be the focus of my working visit here. We aim to strengthen and consolidate relations between our two countries,” he wrote on May 20.
Golf Diplomacy in Action
The presence of Els and Goosen, both successful on the PGA Tour Champions, underscored golf’s role as a diplomatic tool. On X, @MargoMartin47 documented the warm welcome: “President @realDonaldTrump welcomes the President of South Africa to the White House 🇺🇸🇿🇦.” Trump, a well-known golf enthusiast, was reportedly impressed by the South African golf icons. According to Reuters, Ramaphosa highlighted golf’s ability to bridge cultures during the meeting.
A Model for the Future
The visit of Els and Goosen to the White House demonstrates how golf can foster international relations. For the golf community, this event could serve as a model for blending sport with diplomacy. South Africa, home to prestigious tournaments like the South African Open, may see increased collaboration with the U.S. as a result.