Donald Trump doesn't speak any Spanish, but he holds court at the Dominican Republic's Cap Cana resort like he owns the place — because, well, he does. As an investor in Trump Cap Cana, The Donald is here to sell real estate, "$340 million — the biggest deal in the history of the Caribbean," he says with his well-known hyperbole that reduces Columbus' arrival on these shores to a two-bit opening act ("Thanks for warming them up, Chris"). But on the golf course, Trump is (surprise) pretty relaxed, just another businessman honing a decent game and dispensing tips to his partner ("Weaken that grip, the Vs of your hands are pointing at the ocean!"). Of course, he's a regular guy with an eight-cart entourage, and a stream of people lining up for pictures. "Welcome to my life," he says as he dishes on his golf courses, his celebrity feuds and the secret to marrying a beautiful woman.
Q You're a real estate mogul, you own casinos. Why bother with golf?
A It's something I find beautiful. I like shaping earth as much as I like my buildings. I'm lucky to have great locations. I have a lot of fun on my courses and I've made a lot of deals on them. Plus, I only want to have courses where I live.
Q Is there enough money to be made in golf to be worth your time versus your other ventures?
A It's a small part of my business, but if I added the deals I make on my course to my portfolio then it would be a much bigger part of my business. If I didn't play golf at my course in Westchester County (N.Y.) then I wouldn't have four major buildings there. Owning a great golf course gives you great power.
Q Have you had talks with the USGA about getting a U.S. Open at Trump National in Bedminster (N.J.)?
A The USGA is terrific. I've designed my course in Bedminster to the highest standards of the USGA and it's a very special course. But I don't want to be saying, "I want a U.S. Open" because, frankly, it makes me look like a jerk. I don't want to get into it. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. I'll have equal respect for the USGA either way. Everybody knows I build the best product.
Q Do you think your outlandish public behavior — like the Rosie O'Donnell feud or appearing at Wrestlemania — hurts you with the USGA?
A It doesn't hurt me with the USGA, but it does with some people. It's good for me personally, and it makes me very popular.
