Focus on the BIG picture.
Saturday, Jan 03, 2026
Outside the box.
Trump Moves to Overhaul ‘President’s Golf Course’ at Joint Base Andrews Despite Never Playing There
President Donald Trump enlists Jack Nicklaus to redesign the historic military golf facility he has not played, as part of broader Washington area course changes
President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to embark on a major renovation of the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland — a site long known as the “president’s golf course” — even though he has never played there.
The Courses at Andrews, situated about fifteen miles from the White House and historically used by past presidents, are now set for a significant overhaul under the direction of golf legend Jack Nicklaus after an aerial tour and review by Trump.
The president described the facility as having suffered from years of inadequate maintenance and said improvements were needed to restore its recreational appeal.
The planned redesign covers at least two of the base’s three eighteen-hole courses and draws on Nicklaus’s acclaimed design expertise, with Trump characterising the work as achievable “for very little money,” though specifics on funding and financing remain unclear.
The partnership with Nicklaus adds a high-profile name to the project, aligning the initiative with Trump’s broader pattern of investing in high-visibility construction and renovation efforts in and around Washington.
The Andrews facility, which first hosted presidents for golf outings in the 1970s and was a frequent retreat for President Barack Obama, had not been a regular stop for Trump, who has preferred playing at his own properties such as those in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia.
Despite that, the president’s interest in revitalising the base’s courses reflects his personal passion for golf and his broader agenda of infrastructure projects, which also includes federal site renovations such as the ongoing White House ballroom rebuild.
The initiative has drawn attention not only for its ambition but also for questions about the use of military land and potential funding sources, given the absence of clear plans on whether taxpayer dollars will be used or if private contributions will play a role.
While the courses at Andrews remain publicly owned and associated with the Air Force, Trump’s announcement underscores his intent to leave a lasting mark on iconic national recreational spaces — even those he has not personally used on the golf course itself.
The Courses at Andrews, situated about fifteen miles from the White House and historically used by past presidents, are now set for a significant overhaul under the direction of golf legend Jack Nicklaus after an aerial tour and review by Trump.
The president described the facility as having suffered from years of inadequate maintenance and said improvements were needed to restore its recreational appeal.
The planned redesign covers at least two of the base’s three eighteen-hole courses and draws on Nicklaus’s acclaimed design expertise, with Trump characterising the work as achievable “for very little money,” though specifics on funding and financing remain unclear.
The partnership with Nicklaus adds a high-profile name to the project, aligning the initiative with Trump’s broader pattern of investing in high-visibility construction and renovation efforts in and around Washington.
The Andrews facility, which first hosted presidents for golf outings in the 1970s and was a frequent retreat for President Barack Obama, had not been a regular stop for Trump, who has preferred playing at his own properties such as those in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia.
Despite that, the president’s interest in revitalising the base’s courses reflects his personal passion for golf and his broader agenda of infrastructure projects, which also includes federal site renovations such as the ongoing White House ballroom rebuild.
The initiative has drawn attention not only for its ambition but also for questions about the use of military land and potential funding sources, given the absence of clear plans on whether taxpayer dollars will be used or if private contributions will play a role.
While the courses at Andrews remain publicly owned and associated with the Air Force, Trump’s announcement underscores his intent to leave a lasting mark on iconic national recreational spaces — even those he has not personally used on the golf course itself.
