JD Vance’s eventful UK holiday took an embarrassing turn after his dismal four-putt went viral during a round at US President Donald Trump’s iconic golf course.
After angering locals during his stay in the Cotswolds, Vance ventured north of the border to Trump Turnberry, where he produced a display that may leave his golf-loving boss questioning his position in his next four-man group.
Vance was seen toiling during his round, first attempting to recover a shot in the bunker, before later seriously struggling to get the ball in the hole on the green.
The Ohio native took four efforts to putt the ball in the cup. Typically golfers aim to achieve a two-putt, with three efforts seen as a very bad result – making Vance’s four a miserable performance.
He was unable to hide his frustration towards his wayward putting and was seen throwing his arms in the air after missing the target.
It is not clear what handicap Vance plays off, but it is unlikely to be anywhere near the supposed 2.8 the US President plays off.
JD Vance found it tough going around Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course on his UK family hiliday
The US Vice President could not hide his disappointment as his ball missed the cup
A golf fan did not mince his words when reacting to the viral footage on Friday.
‘Absolutely f***ing dogs*** putting technique,’ he remarked on X.
Another sarcastically added: ‘He plays golf the way he plays politician: incompetent.’
The VP is believed to be staying on a luxury estate in Ayrshire, the area he says his ancestors left in the 17th century to help found the USA.
Carnell Estates has a 14th century tower and luxurious mansion house hidden within its gardens and more than 2,000 acres of parkland.
It is popular with VIPs, with Brad Pitt and his then wife Angelina Jolie having stayed at the estate when Pitt filmed World War Z in 2011.
Accompanied by his wife and children, the VP landed at Prestwick Airport on Air Force Two on Thursday before heading to the luxury Carnell Estates in Ayrshire by motorcade.
His arrival in Scotland saw Vance heckled by protestors.
Activists gathered at the gates of the estate, near Kilmarnock, waving Palestinian flags and placards.
Vance was first seen attempting to recover from a shot placed in a bunker and later struggling to get the ball in the hole.
Mr Vance’s stay is expected to require a major policing operation due to further planned protests and airspace restrictions are in place around the estate until Sunday.
Mr Vance had been previously holidaying in the Cotswolds where his motorcade of security and other support officials caused consternation among some local as small roads were frequently blocked and disable parking spaces occupied by his vehicles.
Mr Vance is a self-proclaimed ‘Scots-Irish hillbilly at heart’.
Ahead of Mr Vance’s trip, a spokesman for the Scottish Government said: ‘The Scottish Government continues to work collaboratively with partners, including the UK Government and Police Scotland, to manage the impact of a potential visit by the US Vice President to Scotland.’
His visit follows a recent trip by President Trump, who spent five days in Scotland, splitting his time between his golf courses at Turnberry in Ayrshire and the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire, and meeting the First Minister and Prime Minister.
