Trump Playing Golf | His Golfing Career, Favorite Courses, History & 2026 Updates

Trump playing golf is a subject that regularly attracts attention because Donald Trump has spent decades combining politics, business, and a strong personal interest in the sport. He is not only a frequent golfer but also a golf-course owner and developer whose portfolio includes courses in the United States and several international destinations.

In 2026, Trump’s relationship with golf remains highly visible. He has continued to play, visit golf properties, attend professional tournaments, and maintain relationships with professional golfers. His golf interests have also become part of his public image and presidency.

But what is the story behind Trump playing golf? How often does he play? Which courses does he use? Is he actually a good golfer? And why does his time on the golf course attract so much attention?

This guide covers the key facts.

Why Does Trump Play Golf So Often?

Donald Trump has played golf for many years and has described the sport as an important part of his life. His involvement goes beyond simply playing: he owns or operates a large portfolio of golf properties and has developed relationships with professional golfers.

Trump Golf says its portfolio began with the acquisition of Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, in 1999 and has grown to 21 properties. Its courses now span locations in the United States, Scotland, Ireland, Dubai, Indonesia, Oman, Vietnam, Qatar, and other destinations.

Golf has therefore become both a personal pastime and a major part of Trump’s business interests.

Trump Playing Golf

Trump’s interest in golf predates his presidency by decades.

Unlike someone who discovered golf after entering politics, Trump had already developed a substantial connection with the game through business and property development. His golf portfolio started expanding in the late 1990s, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable golf brands associated with a political figure.

According to Trump’s golf organization, the first acquisition in the portfolio came in 1999 at West Palm Beach. The company subsequently added properties including Westchester, Bedminster, Los Angeles, Doral, and other locations.

His involvement includes playing courses, hosting professional competitions, visiting golf resorts, and participating in golf-related events.

How Often Does Trump Play Golf?

There is no single publicly maintained database that records every round Donald Trump plays.

However, golf has remained a frequent part of his public schedule. In January 2026, the Associated Press reported that Trump spent much of a two-week Florida vacation golfing.

More recently, AP reported that Trump visited the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club and that the event represented his fourth visit to a golf tournament in 2026. The report also noted visits to his golf courses in Florida, New Jersey, and Ireland.

Because private rounds do not always receive comprehensive public coverage, exact annual totals should be treated cautiously.

Where Does Trump Play Golf?

Trump has access to numerous golf courses through his business interests. Some of the most recognizable locations include:

Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster

Located in New Jersey, Bedminster is one of Trump’s best-known golf properties.

The property includes 36 holes, consisting of the Old Course and New Course. Trump Golf says the Old Course hosted the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open, while the New Course hosted the 2009 U.S. Junior Amateur.

The course has also continued to host major professional golf events. In August 2026, Trump National Bedminster hosted LIV Golf New York.

Trump National Doral, Miami

Trump National Doral is another major part of his golf portfolio.

The property is particularly associated with the Blue Monster, a long-running championship course that has hosted numerous professional events.

Trump Golf states that the Blue Monster underwent a major transformation after the property was acquired, including changes to its length, hazards, greens, and strategic elements.

The course also hosted the 2026 Cadillac Championship from April 29 through May 3, according to Trump’s golf tournament schedule.

Trump International Golf Links, Ireland

Trump’s Irish golf property is located at Doonbeg in County Clare.

The dramatic coastal setting has made the course particularly recognizable. In September 2026, the property hosted the Amgen Irish Open, bringing professional golf to the course.

The event also highlighted the course’s links-style design, dunes, Atlantic views, and recent architectural changes.

Trump International Scotland

Trump also has golf properties in Scotland, including courses associated with championship and professional events.

The 2026 schedule listed the Staysure PGA unless Championship at Trump International Scotland’s New Course in August.

Scotland is particularly significant to golf history because of the sport’s long association with links golf, making Trump’s Scottish properties an important part of his international golf portfolio.

Is Trump a Good Golfer?

This question is harder to answer objectively than it might appear.

Trump has long presented himself as a serious golfer and has played with professional and celebrity golfers. However, there is no standardized professional ranking that can be used to compare him with PGA Tour players.

Golf ability is normally evaluated using measures such as disability, tournament results, scoring averages, and competitive performance. Trump has not competed as a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, so comparisons with elite professional players would not be appropriate.

What can be established is that he has played the game extensively and has maintained relationships with professional golfers.

An Associated Press profile published in September 2026 described Trump as someone who enjoys watching and playing golf and noted his relationships with professional players.

Trump and Professional Golfers

Trump’s golf connections extend into professional golf.

Over the years, he has been photographed and associated with prominent golfers. His golf properties have also hosted major tournaments involving professional players.

In 2026, for example, his Bedminster property hosted LIV Golf New York, while Doral hosted the Cadillac Championship and his Irish course hosted the Amgen Irish Open.

These events demonstrate that Trump’s golf involvement isn’t limited to recreational rounds.

Trump Playing Golf as President

Golf has been a recurring feature of Trump’s presidency.

Presidents have historically used golf as a recreational activity, and Trump has continued that tradition. The Associated Press reported in early 2026 that Trump spent significant time golfing during a Florida vacation.

His golf outings can attract additional attention because presidential activities are closely covered by the media.

There is also a practical distinction between Trump playing golf privately and Trump appearing at golf tournaments or golf-related events. A presidential appearance at a tournament can involve official or ceremonial responsibilities, while a private round is primarily recreational.

Trump and the Presidential Golf Course

One interesting aspect of Trump’s relationship with golf is that he has not necessarily played every course associated with the presidency.

In January 2026, PBS NewsHour, citing the Associated Press, reported that Trump was considering changes to the golf facilities at Joint Base Andrews, often referred to as the “president’s golf course,” while noting that he had not yet played there at that time.

The Courses at Andrews have historically been used by several U.S. presidents.

This illustrates an important point: Trump’s golf interests include both his privately associated golf properties and courses connected with the office of the presidency.

Why Is Trump Playing Golf Such a Popular Search?

The phrase “Trump playing golf” attracts interest for several reasons.

Trump is a highly visible public figure

Anything involving a U.S. president can receive substantial media attention, especially when the activity occurs in public.

Golf is part of Trump’s business

Trump’s relationship with golf isn’t simply recreational. His organization operates a large international portfolio of golf properties.

His golf outings generate photographs

Images of Trump on a golf course often show him with clubs, professional golfers, political figures, family members, or other public personalities.

Professional tournaments take place at Trump properties

His courses have hosted events connected with major professional golf organizations, creating another reason for media and fan interest.

Golf and presidential politics sometimes overlap

When a sitting president plays golf, questions about scheduling, security, travel, and public appearances can become part of broader news coverage.

Trump Golf Courses Around the World

Trump Golf’s current portfolio includes properties and developments across multiple countries.

Its listed locations include:

• United States
• Scotland
• Ireland
• United Arab Emirates
• Indonesia
• Qatar
• Vietnam
• Oman
• South Korea
• Saudi Arabia

The portfolio includes public-access courses, private clubs, resorts, and projects listed as coming soon.

This international reach helps explain why the phrase Trump playing golf can refer to many different locations rather than one particular course.

A Brief Timeline of Trump’s Golf Involvement

1999 . First Golf Acquisition

Trump Golf identifies Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, as the first property acquired in its golf portfolio.

2002 . Westchester

Trump National Golf Club, Westchester, became part of the expanding portfolio.

2004 . Bedminster

Trump National Golf Club Bedminster was added, becoming one of the portfolio’s most prominent American properties.

2013 . Doral

Trump Golf acquired the Doral property in Miami, including the famous Blue Monster course.

2017 . U.S. Women’s Open at Bedminster

The Old Course at Bedminster hosted the U.S. Women’s Open.

2026 . Continued Professional Events

Trump golf properties hosted multiple professional tournaments, including events at Doral, Bedminster, Scotland, and Ireland.

What Makes Trump’s Golf Story Different?

Trump’s relationship with golf is unusual because several separate elements come together:

Player: He regularly plays golf.

Business owner: His organization operates a large golf portfolio.

Course developer: His company has been involved in acquiring, renovating, and developing golf properties.

Tournament host: His courses have hosted professional golf events.

Public figure: His rounds receive media attention because of his political position and celebrity status.

These roles overlap, which is why a simple search for “Trump playing golf” can lead to stories about everything from a casual round to international professional tournaments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Donald Trump play golf?

Yes. Trump has played golf for decades and continues to play regularly. Recent reporting in 2026 has documented multiple golf outings and tournament appearances.

How many golf courses does Trump own?

Trump Golf currently describes its portfolio as consisting of 21 properties. The portfolio includes courses and golf developments in the United States and internationally.

What is Trump’s favorite golf course?

There is no reliably documented, objective answer to which course is his personal favorite. He has played at and visited numerous properties within his golf portfolio.

Does Trump play professional golf?

No. Trump is not a professional touring golfer. His involvement is primarily as a recreational player, golf-business owner, and host or participant at golf-related events.

Has Trump played with professional golfers?

Yes. Trump has developed relationships with numerous professional golfers and has been photographed with prominent players. AP reported in 2026 that he takes pride in his relationships with professional golfers.

Where does Trump play golf most often?

Trump has played at several of his properties, particularly those in Florida and New Jersey, although a complete public record of every round is not available.

Does Trump own golf courses outside America?

Yes. His golf portfolio includes properties in places such as Scotland, Ireland, Dubai, Indonesia, Oman, Qatar, Vietnam, and other international locations.

Did Trump play golf before becoming president?

Yes. His involvement with golf dates back decades before his presidency. His golf-business portfolio began expanding in 1999.

Why are pictures of Trump playing golf so common?

Trump is a prominent public figure and frequent golfer. His golf outings can also take place at properties associated with his business, making them more visible to the public and media.

Final THOUGHTS

Trump playing golf represents much more than a president spending a few hours on a golf course. Donald Trump’s connection to the sport stretches across decades and includes recreational golf, golf-course ownership, property development, professional tournament hosting, and relationships with elite golfers.

From West Palm Beach and Doral to Bedminster, Scotland, and Ireland, golf has remained an important part of Trump’s public and business life. In 2026, that connection continues through regular golf outings and appearances at major professional events.

For anyone researching Trump and golf, the most important distinction is between documented facts about his golf activities and claims about how frequently he plays or how well he performs. Public reporting confirms that golf remains a significant part of his life, while exact totals for private rounds and informal games are not consistently available.

That combination of sport, business, presidential visibility, and international golf properties is what makes Trump playing golf a continuing topic of public interest.