At a Glance
- Trump plans a sweeping overhaul of the Courses at Andrews, hiring Jack Nicklaus as architect.
- The renovation will be the most significant in the base’s history and may add a multifunctional event center.
- Trump has spent 93 days golfing in his second term, mostly on family courses.
- Why it matters: The project could reshape a historic presidential golf venue and reflect Trump’s broader construction agenda.
Trump has spent much of his second term on the links, logging 93 days of play across family-owned courses in Virginia and Florida, and 10 days at Bedminster, New Jersey. Despite this, there is no record of him having played the Courses at Andrews, the “president’s golf course.”
Trump’s Golfing Habits
During the 2024 campaign, Trump spent about a quarter of his days on the green, favoring his own properties. He has also toured Andrews by helicopter before Thanksgiving, meeting with Nicklaus.
Michael Thomas stated:
> “It’s amazing that an individual has time to take a couple hours away from the world crises. And they’re people like everybody else,” said Michael Thomas.
- Gerald Ford (1974)
- Ronald Reagan
- George H.W. Bush
- Bill Clinton
- George W. Bush
- Joe Biden
- Barack Obama (110 rounds in eight years)
Andrews: A Presidential Legacy
The base opened its courses in 1960 and has two 18-hole and one 9-hole layout. Congress funded a 2018 upgrade for new hangars, and the courses have seen intermittent maintenance. Presidents have traditionally enjoyed cart-driven rounds, a tradition Thomas noted.
Proposed Renovation
The White House says the overhaul will address age and wear, and may include a multifunctional event center. Trump has said the project will require very little money.
Davis Ingle said:
> “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.”
- Major redesign of fairways and greens
- Addition of a multifunctional event center
- Modernized clubhouse facilities
Broader Construction Agenda
Trump’s renovation plans for Andrews join a string of projects, including the demolition of the White House East Wing for a ballroom, a new bathroom for the Lincoln bedroom, and a patio-style Rose Garden. He has also announced plans to rebuild Dulles International Airport and erect a Paris-style arch near the Lincoln Memorial.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s plan marks the biggest renovation of Andrews’ courses to date.
- The project could add a multifunctional event center and modern clubhouse.
- Trump’s 93-day golfing spree underscores his personal connection to the sport.
The renovation could redefine a presidential staple while fitting into Trump’s extensive building agenda.
