Picture this: the most powerful person on the planet, juggling world crises and high-stakes decisions, sneaking away for a peaceful round of golf. But here's where it gets really intriguing – what if that leader is plotting a huge renovation on a prestigious military golf course he's never even played on? That's the fascinating tale behind President Donald Trump's plans for the Courses at Andrews. Dive in, and you'll discover a mix of presidential perks, security headaches, and a dash of controversy that might just have you questioning how leaders unwind. And trust me, this is the part most people overlook – the deeper story of tradition, personal ties, and taxpayer dollars at play.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – President Donald Trump has been soaking up his two-week Florida getaway with plenty of golf swings. Yet, as he heads back to the White House, his sights are set on a military golf facility he hasn't visited for a game – one he's eager to transform through a significant development effort. You can learn more about Donald Trump here, and check out the details on his Andrews golf course project in this related article.
For generations, the Courses at Andrews – nestled within the secure boundaries of Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, roughly 15 miles (24 kilometers) from the White House – have served as a beloved retreat for presidents craving a brief escape from the relentless demands of guiding the nation. Dubbed the 'president's golf course,' it's hosted Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden, with Barack Obama standing out as the most frequent visitor, clocking in about 110 rounds over his eight years in office. For more on presidential history and the United States government, explore this comprehensive piece.
Trump, however, has always gravitated toward the golf resorts owned by his family, dedicating roughly one out of every four days of his second term to playing at them. But now, he's bringing in legendary golf architect Jack Nicklaus to redesign the Courses at Andrews. To understand Nicklaus's legacy, visit his profile here.
'It’s remarkable that someone in such a position can carve out a couple of hours to step away from global upheavals. After all, they're just like the rest of us,' remarked Michael Thomas, the former general manager of the course, who shared the greens with numerous presidents during his time at Andrews.
Andrews, famously the base for Air Force One, boasts two full 18-hole courses and one shorter 9-hole layout. Its amenities have seen updates before, like in 2018 when Congress allocated funds for replacing outdated presidential planes and constructing a new hangar with support structures. That initiative even impacted the courses, necessitating some adjustments. For a stunning photo of the 2025 Trump Air Force One, take a look at this article.
Trump recently toured the base via helicopter before Thanksgiving, accompanied by Nicklaus, a master designer of world-renowned courses. The president described Andrews as 'a fantastic spot that's deteriorated due to neglect over time.'
Yet, other players paint a different picture, noting the grounds are in decent condition, with just a few dry spots here and there. Online feedback highlights the mature trees, challenging rough areas, and ponds and streams that add to the excitement as hazards. The layout is mostly flat, offering scenic views of the base surroundings.
Gerald Ford was the first to tee off at Andrews back in 1974. Thomas started working there a few years later, serving as general manager from 1981 until his retirement in 2019.
He recalled how the Secret Service would mobilize up to 28 golf carts, plus the president's standard 30-vehicle motorcade, to secure the area.
'It’s like a grand Hollywood spectacle every single time,' Thomas shared, having joined rounds with four presidents and even Vice President Biden.
He noted that commanders-in-chief each brought their own flair to the game, but 'they all love driving the cart because they rarely get to handle the wheel themselves.'
'It’s reminiscent of getting your driver’s license anew,' Thomas chuckled.
Trump hits the links most weekends, and by January 1, he'd devoted an estimated 92 days of his second term to it, per an Associated Press review of his itineraries.
This includes time at family-owned courses in Virginia, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the White House, and near his Florida retreat, Mar-a-Lago, where he's enjoying the winter holidays. It also covers 10 days at his Bedminster, New Jersey, club, with schedules permitting golf. For insights into Trump's Mar-a-Lago, including visits from figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, read this.
Trump has been to Andrews previously, but neither the White House nor the base has records of him playing the courses.
The base's origins trace back to the Civil War, when Union soldiers bunked in a church near Camp Springs, Maryland. The golf course itself debuted in 1960.
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The White House announced that this renovation will be the most extensive in Andrews' history. The courses and clubhouse require upgrades from age and use, with talks of adding a versatile event space to the plans.
'President Trump is an elite golfer with a keen eye for precision and aesthetics,' stated White House spokesperson Davis Ingle. 'His plan to revamp and enhance Joint Base Andrews' golf courses will deliver essential upgrades that military personnel and their families can savor for decades.'
Details are still in their infancy, with no set costs or funding sources yet, according to the White House. Trump has indicated it will use 'hardly any funds.'
This fits into a series of Trump's building ventures, such as tearing down the White House’s East Wing to create a grand ballroom now projected to hit $400 million, revamping the bathroom off the Lincoln bedroom, and swapping the Rose Garden’s grass for a patio styled after Mar-a-Lago. For more on the ballroom's donor list and legal battles, check these articles.
Beyond the White House, Trump has overseen projects at the Kennedy Center and proposes a Parisian-style arch near the Lincoln Memorial, plus plans to overhaul Dulles International Airport in Virginia. On Wednesday, his administration terminated a lease with a non-profit for three public Washington D.C. golf courses, potentially opening the door for more presidential influence on the city's golf scene. The White House insists this is unrelated to Andrews.
When the president plays, Andrews staff shuts down nine holes at once to ensure privacy, bolstering security and maintaining a steady pace, Thomas explained.
This is feasible since the courses aren't public; they're mainly for active or retired military members, their families, and certain Defense Department civilians.
Thomas reminisced about a game with the elder President Bush, a Golf Hall of Fame member famed for his quick tempo, while Barbara Bush strolled with their dog Millie. George W. Bush played swiftly too, often biking beforehand for extra activity.
Obama, when not at Andrews, tried to mimic the vibe at home by installing a golf simulator in the White House. After Michelle Obama inquired about a model from the Golf Channel, Thomas provided a contact.
In a notable incident, Obama halted a round after nine holes in 2011 to return to the White House for a classified briefing on the Osama bin Laden raid. For background on bin Laden, see this hub.
But here's where it gets controversial – despite these high-profile moments, Thomas revealed he never saw a game cut short by urgent calls or emergencies mid-hole. No rain-outs either.
'If rain was approaching, they'd check forecasts in advance and wrap up fast,' he said.
Now, think about this: Is it fair for a president to pour resources into golf courses while the nation faces pressing issues? Or does this renovation genuinely benefit military families, as claimed? And what about the claim of 'very little money' – does that ring true, or is it downplaying costs? Share your thoughts in the comments: Do you see this as a welcome perk for troops, or an extravagant use of taxpayer funds? Agree or disagree, and let's discuss – this is the kind of topic that sparks real debate!
