At a Glance
- Trump hires Jack Nicklaus to redesign the Courses at Andrews.
- The White House calls the renovation the most significant in Andrews’ history.
- Trump has spent 93 days of his second term golfing, mostly at family courses.
Why it matters: Presidents use golf to decompress; this overhaul could reshape service-member golf and signal new priorities.
President Donald Trump is moving beyond his usual Florida retreats to focus on a major renovation of the Courses at Andrews, a military golf venue near the White House. The project, overseen by famed designer Jack Nicklaus, promises the most extensive overhaul in the base’s history.
Trump’s Golfing Footprint
Trump has logged 93 days of golfing in his second term, primarily at his family-owned courses in Virginia, Florida, and New Jersey. He has visited Andrews before but has no record of playing its courses. The president’s golf schedule reflects a preference for family venues, yet the Andrews project signals a new focus on military recreation.
- Virginia: family courses
- Florida: Mar-a-Lago
- New Jersey: Bedminster club
Andrews Renovation Plans
The Courses at Andrews comprise two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole course, all of which have seen past upgrades, including a 2018 renovation tied to aircraft support. The White House says the upcoming overhaul will address age and wear, and may add a multifunctional event center.
- Address age and wear
- Add a multifunctional event center
- Led by Jack Nicklaus
White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated:
> “President Trump is a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for detail and design.”
Michael Thomas said:
> “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.”
| Course Type | Holes |
|---|---|
| 18-hole course 1 | 18 |
| 18-hole course 2 | 18 |
| 9-hole course | 9 |
The renovation is part of a broader slate of Trump construction projects, including the East Wing demolition and a new arch near the Lincoln Memorial. The administration also ended a lease for three public golf courses in Washington, though officials say it is unrelated to Andrews. The project’s cost remains undetermined, with Trump promising “very little money” will be required.
Key Takeaways
- The overhaul is the most significant in Andrews’ history.
- Jack Nicklaus will lead the redesign.
- Trump’s golf schedule shows a shift toward military recreation.
As Trump shifts from his Florida leisure to a military-focused golf overhaul, the move underscores his continued use of the sport to shape public spaces and offers a fresh chapter for Andrews’ service-member players.
