Trump has a long-standing preference for his family’s golf courses, spending approximately a quarter of his days during his second term at these locations. Recently, he has recruited golf legend Jack Nicklaus to redesign the Courses at Andrews.
Michael Thomas, the former general manager of Andrews, noted, “It’s remarkable that someone can take a few hours away from global issues. They’re just people like anyone else.” Andrews is famously known as the home base for Air Force One, featuring two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. The facilities have received upgrades in the past, including renovations in 2018 funded by Congress for updates to aging presidential aircraft and new hangars, which affected the golf courses.
Trump and Nicklaus conducted a helicopter tour of the base before Thanksgiving. Trump remarked that Andrews is “a great place that hasn’t been maintained well over the years.” However, other golfers assert that the grounds are well-kept, despite some dry areas, praising the mature trees, challenging roughs, and water hazards. The relatively flat courses offer stunning views of the base.
The first president to golf at Andrews was Gerald Ford in 1974. Thomas began his tenure there shortly after and served as general manager until his retirement in 2019. He recalled that the Secret Service utilized up to 28 golf carts and a typical 30-car motorcade to maintain security. “It’s a grand production every time,” he shared, reminiscing about golfing with four different presidents, including Biden during his vice presidency.
Presidential Perks of Golfing at Andrews
While golfing, Andrews officials temporarily close off nine holes to ensure both security and smooth gameplay. The courses are reserved primarily for military members and select federal employees. Thomas recounted playing with President George H.W. Bush, who liked to play quickly while First Lady Barbara Bush walked their dog. Similarly, George W. Bush maintained a brisk pace and enjoyed biking before his games.
Trump typically plays golf most weekends, having spent an estimated 93 days golfing during his second term, which includes rounds at his family-owned courses in Virginia and Florida. Although Trump has previously visited Andrews, there’s no record of him golfing there.
Trump’s Construction Projects
The golf course at Andrews has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1960. The White House has announced that the upcoming renovations will be the most significant in the course’s history, addressing its deterioration and discussing the inclusion of a multifunctional event center. Costs and funding specifics remain in the early stages of planning, with Trump indicating it would require “very little money.” This renovation is among other ongoing Trump construction projects.
