Florida’s Doral Resort Offers Golfers the Full ‘Trump Experience’ with Signature Merchandise
At the Trump National Doral Golf Resort in Miami, it isn’t just the golf that captures the essence of Donald Trump’s evolution from property magnate to political icon. The resort’s gift shop has become a mini-museum of Trump’s unique brand, featuring memorabilia that speaks to both his business acumen and his influence in American politics.
As visitors enter, they are greeted by a striking black-and-white portrait of Trump, hovering above stacks of his 1987 best-seller The Art of the Deal, signed editions of which sell for $1,000 (£773) each. Flanking the image are several covers of Time magazine, including one that hails The Apprentice as a “television smash!”—a cover that was famously revealed to be a mock-up back in 2017.
The shop is stocked with everything from golf accessories to iconic “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) merchandise, capturing Trump’s mix of political bravado and luxury. Among these items, two have quickly emerged as top-sellers. One is a $45 putter cover, adorned with a leathery rendition of Trump’s face, complete with a signature quiff of fake hair—a quirky collectible that staff say is perpetually in high demand. The other is a sleek black-and-gold MAGA hat, famously sported by Elon Musk at a recent rally, which retails for $60 and has already sold out three times.
At Doral, I am here to play golf, a hobby Trump has made synonymous with his brand and a central component of his empire. His collection of South Florida resorts stands as the crown jewels of his business portfolio, which now includes ventures in cryptocurrency and social media. The grandest of his properties, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, is often referred to as his “Winter White House,” and according to Reuters, the exclusive private club is projected to bring in $24 million in revenue in 2024.
For golf aficionados seeking a more intimate experience, Trump offers members-only clubs in Jupiter and West Palm Beach. But Doral stands out as his only golf resort and hotel open to the public, providing guests with a chance to experience Trump’s world up close.
In a nod to his enduring influence, the Doral gift shop serves as a microcosm of the Trump brand—one that effortlessly blends the worlds of business, politics, and popular culture into a single retail experience.
