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Donald Trump

GOLF Magazine Interview: Donald Trump

The Donald says his course in L.A. is better than Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes (which he says is "in a wasteland far away from civilization")


Published: September 01, 2007

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Q Do you think you overdo the self-promotion sometimes?

A Well, I'm worth billions, and I started in an office in Brooklyn, N.Y., so I must be doing something right. A Trump building gets a higher price than any other. Look at this weekend. In Cap Cana we sold $340 million in property in one day. So how can I be doing something wrong?

Q But you're always saying this is the greatest and that is the greatest. Isn't it too much sometimes? How can everything be the greatest?

A [Shrugs.] I do say it, but I have to because my stuff is the best.

Q What advice would you give our readers who want to be millionaires?

A Well, you have to be born with a certain ability. Like Tiger and Phil in golf — you have guys who work harder, but Tiger and Phil are special. Same is true in business. Making money is an art. On the assumption that you have ability, which is a big assumption, to make a million dollars you need a great idea, you need to be in the right business and you need to work hard.

Q What role does luck play? After all, your father's wealth gave you an advantage that 99 percent of Americans don't have.

A Luck is an important element, despite the fact that we try to say it's not. But the harder you work, the luckier you get.

Q Do you think you would be as wealthy today if you grew up in poverty?