Golf and the White House: Trump’s Unique Relationship with the Game

For much of the last century, golf has maintained a prominent position in the White House. This trend continues today, especially with Donald Trump, who is an active golfer, frequently playing at his Mar-a-Lago resort on weekends. His golfing habits have attracted significant attention, with Seth Meyers humorously noting that, according to the Washington Post, President Trump has spent a substantial portion of his time in office on the greens.

For Trump, golf transcends mere recreation; it is an integral part of his persona. When faced with scrutiny regarding his acceptance of a $400 million private jet from Qatar, Trump responded with a quote from legendary golfer Sam Snead. He recalled Snead’s advice on taking advantage of opportunities, stating, “When they give you a putt, you say, ‘Thank you very much.’ You pick up your ball, and you walk to the next hole.”

Golf as a Business Platform

Trump also utilizes the golf course as a venue for business discussions. In a conversation with Witkoff, who described Trump’s approach, he learned from Senator Lindsey Graham how to navigate the social and professional expectations of golfing with the president. Graham emphasized that meetings could occur over breakfast, during the game, and again at lunch, allowing for a broad discussion of various topics.

While some past presidents maintained a clear boundary between leisure and official duties, Trump’s style differs significantly. For instance, William Howard Taft enjoyed golf but faced warnings from Theodore Roosevelt about how a public affinity for the sport might undermine his seriousness as president. Roosevelt himself preferred tennis, guiding Taft’s image towards a more sober portrayal without golf attire in the public eye.

A Different Approach to Golf and Work

Taft’s successor, Woodrow Wilson, played golf over 1,200 times during his presidency, often for exercise but avoiding any business conversations on the course. Unlike Trump, Wilson preferred to stay focused on fitness, even playing in the snow with red balls for visibility.

In July 1917, writer Cleveland Moffett praised Wilson’s commitment to exercise amidst his heavy responsibilities, asserting that the president regarded physical activity as a crucial obligation, unaffected by external pressures.

Conversely, Warren Harding’s golfing experiences were marred by public ridicule, particularly from comedian Will Rogers. Harding eventually refrained from attending events where his golf game would be humorously criticized, illustrating how personal sensitivity to public perception can shape presidential leisure activities.

Presidents Balancing Golf and Serious Matters

Dwight Eisenhower faced similar scrutiny regarding his golfing habits. He ignored jests about his frequent appearances on the greens, even establishing putting greens at both the White House and Camp David. Notably, during his presidency, Eisenhower never conducted business on the course, believing that his golfing time should remain separate from political dealings.

Richard Nixon’s presidency showcased a mix of golf with celebrity encounters, where he played with notable figures yet often projected an image of discomfort in the sport. Despite some humorous anecdotes about Nixon’s golf game, he remained a capable golfer but criticized those who prioritized leisure over work.

The Celebrity Golf Culture

Ronald Reagan’s experiences with golf included playing alongside celebrities, yet his enthusiasm waned after a notably chaotic golf trip during a national crisis in Grenada. Following a weekend wrought with interruptions, Reagan decided to reduce his golfing, acknowledging the inappropriate nature of leisure amidst serious governmental responsibilities.

As for George H.W. Bush, he grappled with the demands of the presidency while cherishing golf as a leisurely pursuit. His time on golf courses became complicated after the onset of military conflicts, where intrusive media attention and serious inquiries disrupted his games, prompting him to assert the need for separation between leisure and pressing matters.

Clinton and Bush: Golf as a Business Tool

Bill Clinton perceived the golf course as an opportunity for political networking, often engaging with influential individuals like Vernon Jordan and even innovative corporate leaders. His approach included a business focus that contrasted with other presidents who preferred to keep their leisure activities distinct from their official roles.

George W. Bush, having witnessed the blending of golf and presidency early in his career, embraced a humorous yet respectful stance towards the game. He often navigated the relationship between leisure and duty, but as the Iraq War escalated, he expressed a sense of solidarity with military families that prompted him to suspend golfing during turbulent times.

Obama’s Golf Legacy

Barack Obama, another golfing enthusiast, played over 300 rounds during his presidency. Like Trump, he valued the golf course as a space where business discussions could unfold. Engaging with both Democrats and Republicans on the golf course, he leveraged these opportunities to mend political divides while addressing crucial legislative matters.

Yet, Obama’s decision to play with John Boehner drew criticism from his party members, highlighting the complexities of presidential social interactions. The pressure of political optics loomed large, and his golfing habits sometimes left his fellow Democrats feeling sidelined.

Trump’s Distinct Golfing Culture

While Trump’s golfing frequency aligns with those of his predecessors, he notably elevates the sport to a different level of significance. His golfing narrative intertwines with narratives of personal success and ambition, which he readily shares in public, even incorporating golf into his presidential branding.

During his term, Trump famously installed a golf simulator in the White House, allowing him to maintain his passion for the sport while wielding it as a platform for engagement with guests and CEOs alike. The golf rivalry with Joe Biden underscores their contrasting styles, with Biden mockingly asserting his skills while questioning Trump’s claims of golfing prowess.

The Future of Golf and the Presidency

Trump’s preference for conducting business on the golf course has established a unique precedent among presidents. His passion for the game and its intertwining with his presidential duties will likely continue throughout his tenure. As the links remain central to his identity, Trump’s golfing story adds an intriguing chapter to the historical relationship between the presidency and this much-loved sport.