Donald Trump is indeed the man of the moment. He beat all odds to become only the second-ever American president to win re-election in a non-consecutive term. The 78-year-old’s life has been marked by sheer determination and overcoming obstacles to succeed, from his early days making a fortune in real estate to venturing into reality TV and eventually politics.
One thing that stands out, however, is Trump’s undying love for golf. Like most U.S. presidents, he enjoys unwinding on the greens and even boasts an impressive handicap of around 2.5. In addition to teeing it off regularly, he owns the Trump Golf brand, which boasts around 18 premium golf courses globally, scattered across different locations like the U.S., Scotland, Dubai, Ireland, Indonesia, and Oman.
Golf is a sport that teaches its players powerful values, such as strong character and the will to succeed. We highlight Trump’s deep connection with the game.
Trump’s Golf Background
The U.S. President-elect began teeing it off as a college student at Fordham. Golf icon Jack Nicklaus was once quoted saying that Trump “loves the game of golf more than he loves money.” The politician affirms this in his 2005 book The Best Golf Advice I Ever Received, where he wrote, “For me and millions of people—men, women, young and old around the world—golf is more than a game. It is a passion.”
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1968, Trump later became the president of his family’s real estate business in 1971. For the next three decades, the producer and host of the reality television series The Apprentice honed his skills in the real estate industry, surviving a series of business failures in the process.
In 1999, he opened his first golf course: the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, Florida. Since then, Trump’s love for golf soared, owning four courses around the U.S. by 2007 and purchasing existing golf courses and redesigning them following the 2007–2008 financial crisis. As of writing, Trump Golf owns around 18 golf courses in prime locations worldwide, which have hosted top events like the LPGA Tour finale from 2001 to 2008.
Famed Trump Courses
- Trump International, Aberdeen, Scotland
The 7,428-yard Trump International Scotland layout, designed by Martin Hawtree, ranks as the greatest modern championship links course in Great Britain and Ireland.
- Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, Ireland
This links course was originally sculpted from massive sand hills edging the Atlantic Ocean. Players here enjoy unforgettable panoramas and shot-making challenges.
- Trump National Doral, Miami, Florida
The course features views of sparkling lakes, bold bunkering, and swaying coconut palms. You can play at one of the resort’s four redesigned championship courses, such as the Blue Monster.
- Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles, California
The layout’s bluff-top location offers views of the Pacific Ocean from every hole, and it constantly ranks among the top 30 public courses in America.
- Trump Turnberry, Scotland
The Ailsa at Trump Turnberry is considered one of the top 20 courses on earth. It has hosted many memorable events, such as the 1977 Nicklaus vs. Watson “Duel in the Sun.”
- Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
The 7,205-yard, par-71 Gil Hanse design is located in the heart of the ‘AKOYA by DAMAC’ master development. It boasts a links-style presentation of native sand areas, valleys, and ridges unique to the Arabian Peninsula.
- Trump Bedminster, New Jersey
Trump Bedminster features two stellar Tom Fazio designs: the Old Course, which hosted the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open, and the New Course, where the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur took place.
- Trump National Charlotte, North Carolina
Nearly two-thirds of the holes at Trump National Charlotte play in view of or next to the gorgeous Lake Norman, making the layout one of the most striking golf courses in the Carolinas.
- Trump National Colts Neck, New Jersey
The low-profile links layout is dotted with lakes, especially at the popular 19th hole, and sits amid the equestrian farms of Monmouth County in coastal New Jersey.
- Trump National Hudson Valley, New York
The nearly 7,700-yard course is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, with the Stormville Mountains as a beautiful backdrop.
- Trump National Jupiter, Florida
The Jack Nicklaus-designed 7,531-yard course skillfully blends Scottish accents, such as revetted bunkers and run-ups into many greens, with lush coastal Florida foliage.
- Trump International Golf Club, Palm Beach, Florida
This was the Trump Organization’s debut course developed in 1999. It boasts 27 Fazio-designed holes, exquisite entrance gates, and service, décor and amenities to match.
Parting Shot
With such deep roots in the world of golf, Donald Trump’s second term in office might signal good tidings for the golf industry. The politician boasts close relationships with top pros, such as Bryson DeChambeau, who featured him in an episode of his Breaking 50 YouTube show in July 2024. One thing for sure is that no matter which title Trump holds, a golf club will always be one of his favorite tools of the trade.