George H.W. Bush
George Bush’s family has close ties to the United States Golf Association. The former president grew up playing golf and loved sports in general but didn’t play much while at the White House.
Once an 11 handicap, Bush was known for his quick feet, holding the golf record for presidential speed, which he recorded at 1 hour and 51 minutes on 18 holes in a group of four. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton enjoyed playing golf, although he didn’t spend much time on the course initially. As time went on, he spent more and more time playing golf, using it to build relationships with celebrities and other politicians.
Richard Nixon
Were it not for Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon might never have taken up golf. He reportedly took up golf when he served as Eisenhower’s vice president and realized that he enjoyed the sport immensely.
Golf experts estimate that Nixon played 800 to 900 rounds during his time in office, notably being one of the first presidents to advocate a policy known as “golf ball diplomacy.” He is said to have used this policy to strengthen relations with Japan at a time when most American politicians distrusted Japan’s interests. Nixon built his three-hole course at his home in San Clemente, California.
Gerald Ford
Gerald Ford was famous for his love of golf, regularly breaking 90 on the course. One of his most famous stories is that he once hit a spectator with a golf ball while playing in a tournament.
William Taft
William Howard Taft was the first U.S. president to embrace golf publicly. Before him, no U.S. president openly acknowledged golf because the general public saw it as the game of the rich. Taft began his golf tradition in 1909, helping change the rich man’s perception of the game.
Parting Shot
Golf has more to do with presidential history than any other sport. Generally, most U.S. presidents are golf enthusiasts, using the sport to cope with the stress and pressures of the White House. It’s also a method to build relationships and negotiate with political allies.