Some weekends are about closing deals. Some are about sinking putts. And then there are weekends where the fairways meet the front lines reminding us that real leadership doesn’t pause for a mulligan, even when the world’s on fire.
This past weekend, March 13–15, 2026, President Trump demonstrated exactly that: decisive action abroad, bold moves at home, and yes, a couple of rounds at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. All while the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict escalated, with oil routes hanging in the balance and American grit on full display.
Front and center on THE Chuck’s table while watching the Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team take on Michigan, listening to commentary from former Buckeye great, fellow St. Francis DeSales father, and friend Clark Kellogg, it sat with the Deployment Freedom Cigar: smooth, patriotic, wrapped in that signature barber-pole design with QR codes linking straight to the Declaration, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Paired with it? A Buckeye-edition, long scarlet-and-gray Old Fashioned cocktail kit steeped in MB Roland Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey sweet corn notes, vanilla, a touch of buttered depth perfect for reflecting on freedoms that don’t come cheap.
Woven into the ritual: a deep nod to discipline, toughness, and legacy values embodied by Navy Commander and legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, where preparation meets execution and excuses don’t make the roster. From Woody’s no-nonsense “pay the price today” mindset to Clark Kellogg’s steady, insightful voice calling the games highlights, it’s a reminder that true greatness on the field, in business, or on the global stage comes down to conviction and follow-through. A ritual worthy of toasting leadership, sacrifice, and the kind of strategy that wins wars and closes quarters.
Friday, March 13 – Strike First, Talk Later The weekend opened with thunder: President Trump announced U.S. forces had “totally obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island the hub handling roughly 90% of their oil exports. Military sites hit hard. Oil infrastructure spared for now. Message received. He followed with a press gaggle at Joint Base Andrews, a Fox News radio hit addressing potential Russian involvement, and a series of executive orders: slashing red tape for affordable housing construction, expanding mortgage credit access, enforcing truthful “Made in America” advertising, and adjusting delegations under the Defense Production Act. After an Oval Office photo op with National Finals Rodeo winners, it was Air Force One to Palm Beach President Trumps 23rd Mar-a-Lago visit of the term.
Business Lesson #1: Decisive action beats endless committee meetings. Like teeing off into the wind commit to the shot, or you’re slicing into trouble.
THE Chuck’s take: “Bombing military targets while sparing the oil rigs? That’s leverage, folks. In business, it’s telling a vendor ‘pay up or we walk’ only with F-35s. Iran wants a deal? Sure. But not one where they keep cheating on the back nine.”
Saturday, March 14 – Allies, Fairways, and Firm Lines Morning golf at Trump International Golf Club motorcade rolling in, no playing partners named publicly, but the routine spoke volumes: even in war, a leader keeps his edge sharp. Then the diplomacy: Trump urged allied nations to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran’s attempts to close the vital chokepoint disrupted global oil flow. In interviews, he said Iran “wants to make a deal”—but their terms weren’t worth the paper. Intelligence briefings warned of potential retaliation against Gulf allies. Evening brought a MAGA Inc. dinner at Mar-a-Lago and an NBC News phone interview on the Middle East.
Business Lesson #2: Build coalitions but lead the charge. Like assembling a scramble team: everyone contributes, but the captain calls the shots.
THE Chuck’s take: “Golfing while calling for warships? Multitasking at its finest. In business, that’s closing a merger on the 9th hole while the market tanks. Critics call it optics; winners call it focus. And if allies drag their feet on Hormuz? Send ‘em the bill for green fees.”
Sunday, March 15 – Fraud Fighters, Fairways, and Final Warnings Another round at Trump International limousine arriving, another unpublicized game before heading back to Mar-a-Lago. Then Air Force One to D.C., press gaggle en route.
Domestic highlight: official launch of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud alongside Vice President JD Vance aimed at rooting out waste, abuse, and billions in taxpayer rip-offs across federal programs.
Abroad: a call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on global shipping and Hormuz security. Trump’s warning to NATO was blunt help secure the strait, or the alliance risks becoming irrelevant.
Business Lesson #3: Protect the bottom line at home while handling threats abroad. Like auditing books during a market crash fix leaks now, or the whole ship sinks.
THE Chuck’s take: “Launching a fraud task force while golfing through a war? Peak efficiency. In business, it’s firing the crooked accountant on Friday and teeing off Saturday. And NATO? If they won’t help with Hormuz, maybe bill ‘em for not showing up to the scramble.”
The Deployment Freedom Moment Throughout: Deployment Freedom Cigar lit slow. Old Fashioned poured from the Buckeye-edition scarlet-and-gray kit, bitters, sugar, garnishes steeped in MB Roland’s high-proof corn whiskey for that smooth, floral kick.
A quiet toast to American resolve: military precision abroad, no-nonsense policy at home, and the grit to swing through it all. Honoring the legacy of Woody Hayes’ relentless preparation and Clark Kellogg’s poised commentary both reminders that excellence demands discipline, focus, and the willingness to pay the price.
Final Thoughts from THE Chuck This weekend was a masterclass in Introduction to Business 101:
- Decisiveness in strikes and strategy
- Leverage with allies and adversaries
- Protection of systems housing, elections, taxpayer dollars
- And balance golf amid chaos, because true leaders don’t fold under pressure
Enduring American grit isn’t forged in safe spaces. It’s built in tough calls, disciplined habits, and the courage to keep moving forward even if it’s down the fairway while the world watches.
So until next week…
Keep your drive straight, your powder dry, and your cigar burning slow.
Freedom’s worth every puff. THE CHUCK
Weekend Events and Business Parallels
| Day | Key Event | Business Parallel | Chuck’s Humor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Mar 13 | Kharg Island strike; Executive orders; Travel to FL | Take bold action; Remove barriers; Set tone | “Spare the oil, hit the military? That’s a warning shot business version: ‘Nice invoice… shame if something happened to it.’” |
| Saturday, Mar 14 | Golf; Hormuz coalition push; Media interviews | Build alliances; Maintain routine | “Warships and wedges if allies won’t fight, they can at least buy drinks.” |
| Sunday, Mar 15 | Golf; Fraud Task Force launch; NATO warning | Audit and protect assets; Demand accountability | “Cut fraud and sink birdies multitask or stay in the bunker.” |
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