President Donald Trump is set to initiate a significant renovation project at the Courses at Andrews, a military golf course located on Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, approximately 24 kilometers from the White House. The project will involve the expertise of renowned golf champion Jack Nicklaus, who will oversee the redesign and upgrade of the facilities.
The Courses at Andrews, often referred to as the “president’s golf course,” has hosted numerous U.S. presidents over the decades, including Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden. Among them, Barack Obama played the course the most, enjoying approximately 110 rounds during his two terms in office.
Trump has traditionally favored golf courses owned by his family, spending about one in every four days of his presidency on the greens. While on a recent vacation in Florida, he expressed interest in the Courses at Andrews and has reportedly characterized it as a “great place” that has suffered from neglect over the years.
Plans for Renovation and Improvements
The renovation project at Andrews will be the most extensive in the course’s history. The White House has indicated that both the courses and the clubhouse require substantial upgrades due to age and wear. Discussions are also underway about the potential inclusion of a multifunctional event center as part of the renovation efforts.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated, “President Trump is a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for detail and design. His vision to renovate and beautify Joint Base Andrews’ golf courses will bring much-needed improvements that service members and their families will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”
While plans remain in the early stages, the financial details concerning the cost and funding of the project have yet to be determined. Trump has mentioned that it would require “very little money,” but specifics have not been disclosed.
The Courses at Andrews, which opened in 1960, include two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole course. They have undergone renovations in the past, most notably in 2018 when Congress approved funding for improvements to aging presidential aircraft and related facilities, necessitating adjustments to the golf courses.
Presidential Golfing and Historical Context
Golf has long been a favored pastime for U.S. presidents seeking a brief escape from the pressures of their roles. The tradition at Andrews began with Gerald Ford, who was the first president to play there in 1974. Michael Thomas, the former general manager of the course, noted that the Secret Service often deploys numerous golf carts and vehicles to maintain security during presidential outings, turning each round into a significant logistical operation.
According to Thomas, each president has approached their time on the course uniquely. They generally enjoy the freedom of driving the golf cart, a rare opportunity for them. “It’s like getting your driver’s license all over again,” he remarked, recalling his experiences playing rounds with various presidents.
Trump is known to play golf most weekends, and an analysis by the Associated Press indicated that he has spent approximately 93 days golfing during his current term. His outings include visits to his family-owned courses in Virginia and Florida, as well as a period in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The renovation plans for Andrews come amidst other construction projects led by Trump, including a proposed $400 million overhaul of the White House’s East Wing and additional projects at the Kennedy Center.
While the White House recently ended a lease agreement with a non-profit organization for three public golf courses in Washington, officials clarified that this decision is not directly related to the Andrews project.
Golfing at Andrews provides a unique experience for presidents, as the course is generally reserved for active or retired military personnel and their families. This exclusivity allows for heightened security and a more private golfing experience.
Overall, the upcoming renovation at the Courses at Andrews reflects Trump’s ongoing commitment to enhancing golfing facilities for military personnel and their families, while also continuing a longstanding presidential tradition.
