Donald Trump is planning a significant overhaul of the Courses at Andrews, a military golf course he has never played, despite his well-known passion for the sport. This ambitious Trump golf course renovation project, set to become a focal point upon his return to the White House, signifies a notable shift in his approach to presidential leisure and public works. The initiative aims to transform a historic site that has long served as a retreat for American leaders, promising a revitalized experience for military personnel and their families.
What is the President’s Golf Course? The Courses at Andrews, located within Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, is a military golf facility traditionally known as the “president’s golf course.” It has served as a secure and favored retreat for numerous U.S. presidents seeking respite and recreation away from the White House.
For decades, this site, just 15 miles from the White House, has hosted presidents including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. Barack Obama, in particular, was a frequent visitor, playing approximately 110 times during his eight years in office. The course’s rich history as a backdrop for presidential relaxation and strategic conversations underscores its unique place in American political lore.
This move marks a distinct departure for Mr. Trump, who has typically favored his family’s own golf courses, reportedly spending one in every four days of his second term at one of them. The decision to focus on the military facility rather than his private estates like Mar-a-Lago or his Virginia club highlights a new direction. To spearhead the Trump golf course renovation, he has enlisted the expertise of golf champion Jack Nicklaus, signaling a commitment to a high-caliber redesign.
While Trump has described Andrews as “a great place, that’s been destroyed over the years, through lack of maintenance,” other golfers and online reviews often praise its mature trees, challenging roughs, and scenic water hazards. Despite some dry patches, many describe the grounds as being in good shape, offering a mostly flat but engaging golfing experience with views of the surrounding base. This contrast in perception sets the stage for the extensive changes planned.
According to the White House, the planned renovation will be the most significant in Andrews’ history. The project aims to address age and wear on the courses and clubhouse, with discussions also including the potential addition of a multifunctional event center. White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that “President Trump is a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for detail and design,” emphasizing his vision to bring much-needed improvements for servicemembers and their families.
The plans are currently in their very early stages, with the cost and funding for the project yet to be determined. Trump has indicated it will require “very little money,” though the specifics remain unclear. This initiative joins a series of other ambitious construction projects associated with Trump, including proposed overhauls of the White House’s East Wing, the Lincoln bedroom bathroom, and the Rose Garden, as well as broader infrastructure ideas like rebuilding Dulles International Airport.
Playing golf as president at Andrews has always involved a unique blend of leisure and high-level security. Former general manager Michael Thomas recounted how the Secret Service would often use as many as 28 golf carts, in addition to the president’s usual 30-car motorcade, to secure the perimeter. Presidents, he noted, particularly enjoyed driving the golf carts, a rare opportunity for them to be behind the wheel.
The anecdotes from Thomas paint a vivid picture of presidential golf. He played with four different presidents, including George H.W. Bush, known for his fast play, and George W. Bush, who often rode his mountain bike before golfing. Obama even had a White House golf simulator installed to recreate parts of the Andrews experience. Famously, Obama cut short a round in 2011 for a top-secret review of the Bin Laden raid preparations, highlighting the ever-present demands on the commander-in-chief.
Access to the Andrews courses is not public; they are primarily reserved for active or retired members of the military and their families, as well as certain Defense Department-linked federal employees. This exclusivity ensures a secure and dedicated environment for those who serve, making the planned improvements particularly impactful for its intended users. The military golf course renovation tips that will undoubtedly emerge from this project could also inform future base improvements.
The long-term impact of this project extends beyond just golf. It represents a significant investment in a military facility, potentially enhancing morale and providing state-of-the-art amenities for those who serve. As the Trump golf course news update continues to unfold, the legacy of this undertaking will be closely watched, both for its design innovations and its financial implications.
Ultimately, the Trump golf course renovation at Andrews is more than just a facelift for a green space. It is a high-profile project intertwining presidential legacy, military welfare, and a passion for golf. The outcome will shape a historic site for generations, reflecting a distinctive vision for one of the nation’s most unique recreational facilities.
