usa presidents who golf

What president played golf?

Dwight D. Eisenhower According to CNN, it was Dwight D. Eisenhower who truly established golf “as the sport of Presidents.” Eisenhower had such dedication to the game that he practiced every morning. Plus, he installed a putting green just outside of his office, and would dictate to his secretary from there.

How many rounds of golf did the United States Presidents play?

Golf shifted from being the rich man’s sport to every man’s sport. During his eight-year presidency, it is widely believed that Dwight played over 800 rounds of Golf. Certainly not more than Wilson but a close second. 3. John F Kennedy The Nation’s thirty-fifth president is known not for how many rounds he played but instead for his golf swing.

What makes Donald Trump the most notable golfing President?

Next: From his skill on the course to Trump Golf holdings, here’s what makes Donald Trump one of the most notable golfing presidents. 16. Donald Trump Trump plays more golf than any other president. | Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images Handicap index: 2.8

How much golf did Obama play during his presidency?

Donald Trump is known for criticizing how much golf Obama played during his time in office. During his years as President, Obama played approximately 333 times. Although Trump seems on track to better Obama, it’s hard to tell if all of his rounds are considered a complete round of Golf.

What presidents golf?

These 10 Presidents Played The Most GolfWoodrow Wilson. Woodrow Wilson is often said to be the American President who spent the most time golfing. ... John F. Kennedy. ... Barack Obama. ... Donald Trump. ... Dwight Eisenhower. ... George H. W. ... Bill Clinton. ... Richard Nixon.More items...•

How many us presidents have played golf?

Sixteen of the last 19 United States presidents played golf. Former President Donald Trump, of course, is well-known as an avid golfer and current President Joe Biden plays the game, too. The list goes back to William Howard Taft, who was president from 1909 to 1913.

Which US president is the best golfer?

Donald Trump – 45th President Fun Facts: Ranked as the Oval Office's best golfer, Trump has reportedly won 19 club championships and owns 19 golf courses worldwide. His impressive handicap is most likely due to consistent practice as he played nearly 300 rounds during his presidency.

What presidents were good golfers?

In honor of Kennedy, a leader taken far too soon, here are the top presidential golfers who have had significant impacts on the sport.George H.W.Dwight D. ... John F. ... Bill Clinton, 42nd President (1993 to 2001) ... Barack Obama, 44th President (2009 to Present) ... George W. ... Gerald Ford, 38th President (1974-77) 1 of 7. ...

Did Teddy Roosevelt play golf?

We say the first to admit because it is suspected that President Theodore Roosevelt may have also played golf, but like other politicians of the day, decided to keep his golfing private, as at the time, it was considered a game for the rich only.

Which US president was elected to the golf Hall of Fame?

Els was voted in through the PGA Tour Ballot while Bush will enter through the Lifetime Achievement Category. Bush also is the second U.S. president to enter the Hall of Fame.

What was JFK golf handicap?

An all-round athlete who played on Harvard University's golf team, Kennedy was described by many as a single-digit handicap golfer. Benson offered that JFK "was probably about a 14-15 handicap." Benson confirmed that Kennedy, if he would have spent the time, "would easily have carried a single-digit handicap.

What is the average pro golfers handicap?

+5.4. 1You can see the full table below, but what are some quick takeaways? The average Tour pro has a handicap index of +5.4. 1. Rickie Fowler at one point reached the lowest index at +8.4.

Who banned golf?

Scottish parliament of King James IIDuring the 15th century, Scotland prepared to defend itself, yet again, against an invasion by the 'Auld Enemy'. The nation's enthusiastic pursuit of golf however, led many to neglect their military training, so much so that the Scottish parliament of King James II banned the sport in 1457.

Where did JFK play golf?

When playing golf with his father and brothers JFK preferred playing at Hyannisport Golf Club and Palm Beach Golf Club. As a US Senator and President he was certainly no stranger to Burning Tree Club and Chevy Chase Clubs in Maryland. The Palm Beach Golf Club.

Which president did not go to college?

George WashingtonThere are 9 U.S. presidents reported to have never attended college, including George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, and Harry Truman.

What is the oldest golf course in the world?

The Old Course at St Andrews LinksThe Old Course at St Andrews Links in Fife, Scotland, UK, is the oldest golf course in the world. Archbishop Hamilton's Charter in 1552 is the earliest documentary evidence that allowed the people of St Andrews to play golf on the Links.

Who was the president who played golf?

Lyndon B. Johnson. While most presidents kept politics out of their golf games, Johnson was the opposite. He used golf as a means to an end, spending the long walks on the course convincing opponents to do what he wanted them to do, particularly with regard to the Civil Rights Act.

Why is golf important to the presidency?

It became more and more important for presidents to project an image of physical fitness, while also appear athletic and graceful. Golf was a way to do this.

How many rounds did Eisenhower play?

After spearheading the liberation of Europe, Eisenhower had earned a little time on the links. And he took it. Ike was an incredibly active golfer, playing between 800 and 900 rounds during his two terms, including some on the lawn outside the White House. Eisenhower played so much that he was criticized by political opponents and newspapers alike. Undaunted, Eisenhower kept playing, and had a cabin at Augusta National Golf Course named in his honor.

How many rounds did Woodrow Wilson play?

Woodrow Wilson. For the first half of the 20th Century, Wilson was THE golfing president. He's thought to have played at least 1,000 rounds while in office and presidential golf historian Don Van Natta claims the number is as high as 1,600.

How old was Reagan when he played golf?

The most infamous story related to Reagan and golf involves not the game itself, but a hostage situation that broke out while he was playing at Augusta National. Age: Dec. at 93 (1911-2004) Birthplace: Whiteside County, Illinois, United States of America, United States, with Territories. Presidency: 40.

When did golf become popular?

Since the game of golf became popular in the early 1900s, most presidents have played - with levels ranging from apathetic to enthusiastic. In fact, only a couple of presidents haven't played, and they found their own ways of spending their leisure time. Golf and the presidency have been linked ever since William Howard Taft became ...

Where was Eisenhower born?

Undaunted, Eisenhower kept playing, and had a cabin at Augusta National Golf Course named in his honor. Age: Dec. at 79 (1890-1969) Birthplace: Denison, Texas, United States of America.

Who was the first president to play golf?

But he just took it to another level, amassing approximately 800 rounds in his eight years in office. The first president to play was William Howard Taft.

Who were the golfers in the White House?

Presidents George Bush, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton were all avid golfers during their time in the White House. Getty Images

What is Calvin Coolidge's legacy?

His primary legacy to the game: The outstanding TPC Harding Park golf course in San Francisco, which was named after him. Calvin Coolidge (1923-29): With golf's popularity surging during his tenure, Coolidge played out of obligation and his game reflected it as he usually required double-digit shots on each hole.

What did Johnson's swing look like?

The votes Johnson needed to pass the Civil Right Act of 1964 were secured on the golf course. Johnson's swing was said to look like he was killing a rattlesnake, and he was no stickler for the rules, as he hit as many shots as it took get one that he liked.

What prevented John Kennedy from playing golf?

John Kennedy (1961-63): A bad back and Addison's disease prevented Kennedy from reaching his enormous potential as a golfer. Video clips reveal a powerful, fluid swing. As a Democrat and an aristocrat, Kennedy was particularly careful to keep his outings on the down low as golf was viewed as a sport for the privileged. There was no better place to do this than at Burning Tree, the most private of clubs in the Washington area, where Kennedy was said to skip around the course, hardly ever playing a round of 18 or even nine holes.

Who were the commanders in golf?

Commanders in golf: A guide to the U.S. Presidents and their games. Byron Nelson, President Dwight Eisenhower, Ben Hogan, and Clifford Roberts at Augusta National Golf Club in April 1953 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images) Getty Images.

Who was the president of the USGA in 1989?

George H.W. Bush (1989-93): No president was born into a family with such rich golf tradition. His maternal grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was president of the USGA and founded the Walker Cup. His father, Prescott Bush, also was a USGA president.

Who was the first president to play the presidential putt?

Trump is the 18th president since William McKinley “ made the first presidential putt in 1897.” Since, only a few presidents declined to play the game: including Teddy Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter.

How many rounds did Dwight Eisenhower play?

From Dwight Eisenhower playing 800 rounds in eight years to John F. Kennedy nearly making a hole-in-one at Cypress Point, to Donald Trump’s frequent outings at Mar-a-Lago and his family’s golf business, here are some of the best presidential golf tidbits: William Howard Taft (File)

Which presidents declined to play golf?

In the intervening years, only a few presidents declined to play the game: Teddy Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter. As The Atlantic notes, our golfing presidents “almost always attacked the course in a way that revealed their personalities.”.

What was the golf advisor's greatest gift to the game?

Golf Advisor characterizes Roosevelt’s funding of public works projects as his greatest gift to the game, since that included dozens of municipal courses, from the Bethpage State Park in New York to the FDR Golf Club in Philadelphia. Next: This president became friends with Arnold Palmer.

How many rounds did Taft play?

While in office: Played more than 1,000 rounds. CNN reports that William Taft’s love for golf was nothing compared to the love that his successor, Woodrow Wilson, had for the game. Wilson has been characterized as a “fanatical” fan of the sport.

Did Ronald Reagan play golf?

Ronald Reagan didn’t play much golf. But Golf Advisor reports that Reagan had a powerful swing, nonetheless. Reagan became one of six presidents — from Eisenhower to the elder Bush — who took lessons from Max Elbin, the longtime pro at Burning Tree.

Did Richard Nixon play golf?

Richard Nixon reportedly began playing golf as Eisenhower’s vice president. But he became a good player, one whom Golf Advisor reports once broke 80, and played to a 12 handicap. Nixon later had a three-hole course built at his home in San Clemente, California.

Who was Eisenhower's friend?

As CNN reports of Eisenhower’s friendship with Palmer , “The men were two of the nation’s most famous faces during the 1950s and 1960s and their friendship blossomed through the sport.”. Next: This commander-in-chief long ranked as the most skilled of golfing presidents.

Does Donald Trump like golf?

It’s no secret that Donald Trump loves playing golf — whether he can fit in a tee time at a Trump golf course or at another exclusive club. Many Trump supporters criticized Barack Obama for escaping the White House to enjoy the game. And Obama supporters, similarly, have objected to Trump’s frequent rounds.

How to tell Obama's personality in golf?

One of the nice things about golf is that people reveal their personalities during a round. There’s no place to hide your true self on the course, and that’s certainly the case with President Obama. First, check out his setup. It looks like a well-trained address position, one amateurs could copy. Obama is square to the target, with good posture and alignment. This is a well-prepared setup, the kind you’d expect from a Harvard Law School graduate. He looks ready to hit a good shot. His backswing move is very compact and cautious. Obama’s backswing is the opposite of wild: it’s controlled and focused on avoiding mistakes. Coming down he’s pretty good. He’s got his weight moving in the right direction and makes good contact. The funny thing is that even though he aims down the middle, his shots fly to the left. Hmmmmm.

Which president has the best swing?

George W. Bush has the best presidential swing I’ve seen. It looks like the swing of an athlete, and it really has some speed in it. Obviously, he’s had time to work on his game; his family has been around golf forever. The best thing about this swing is that Bush never stops moving.

How would you describe Bill Clinton's golf swing?

How would I describe former President Bill Clinton’s golf swing? Entertaining and dangerous. Let’s start with the good stuff. In his mid-60s, Clinton still has a lot of flexibility, and he creates some decent speed with his swing. He’s a big guy who still has some athleticism; he doesn’t look like an old man out there. See the way he gets off his back foot? He’s really swinging at it and not leaving anything in the bag. It’s an aggressive move. Unfortunately, it’s not a good move from a technical standpoint. His grip is too weak and his left shoulder is open, so he is set up to hit the ball right. He also doesn’t keep his balance through the swing. At the end, he staggers around a little, so the swing feels a little incomplete. Clinton and Obama played in 2011 and Clinton said Obama beat him by “a couple shots.” That sounds right to me. Everything about Obama’s swing looks more solid than Clinton’s. That said, Obama doesn’t swing the club as aggressively as Clinton. Clinton has a bigger swing with a wider range of motion, but that weak grip doesn’t give him much of a chance. Obama won’t hit it as far as Clinton, but Clinton is more likely to find trouble. Clinton also looks like he’d probably be the most fun to play with of the presidential golfers.

Why is golf considered a great game?

None of our golfing presidents were serious players, but they embraced golf because the pursuit of excellence in golf is so challenging. It’s not surprising that these talented, ambitious and driven men were so drawn to golf. It’s a game that requires a strong sense of self-belief, and no matter what side of the aisle they sat on, all our presidents have had that in spades.

Which presidents played poker?

In fact, other than Jimmy Carter, Lyndon Johnson and Harry Truman, who preferred a game of poker, every modern president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt was as comfortable on the first tee as on the stump.

Does Obama swing the golf club as aggressively as Clinton?

That said, Obama doesn’t swing the club as aggressively as Clinton. Clinton has a bigger swing with a wider range of motion, but that weak grip doesn’t give him much of a chance. Obama won’t hit it as far as Clinton, but Clinton is more likely to find trouble.

Which US president has played the most golf?

Almost all the US presidents have played rounds of golf at some point in their presidency, but President Woodrow Wilson (our 28th President) played the most golf. He holds an awe-inspiring record of playing more than 1200 rounds during his six-year tenure.

Who is the most golf-addicted president in the world?

Democratic President Woodrow Wilson takes the crown for most golf-addicted president. From 1913-1919, he played over 1200 rounds of Golf. The 28th president of the United States found time for golfing, even in challenging times.

How many rounds did Eisenhower play?

During his tenure, he knocked out 800 rounds of golf which makes him a true golfer-in-chief. Eisenhower loved playing golf at Augusta National, a prestigious golf club he frequented during his time in office.

Why did Eisenhower play golf?

Eisenhower used his power for the good of the sport, and unlike other presidents, he loved showing his prowess at golf in front of the public eye. By doing so, he popularized golf as a commoner’s game that was generally labeled as rich men’s game.

How did golf help Wilson?

According to Wilson, golf helped him relax and was a major stress reliever. Although the more golf he played, the more terrible he was at it.

Who is the father of the Walker Cup?

His father was a President of USGA, and his Grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was the founder of the Walker Cup.

Was Wilson's wife a golfer?

Interestingly, Wilson’s wife was also a golfer and reportedly much better than him. The credit of their first meeting also goes to golf.

Which presidents played golf?

From George Washington, who was a skilled horseman, to Donald Trump, whose longtime passion is golf, most U.S. presidents played various sports in their youth, and many continued their athletic pursuits while in the White House.

Who was Eisenhower's star athlete?

In November 1912, Eisenhower played in a game against the Carlisle Indian School, whose star was one of the most renowned athletes of all time, Jim Thorpe, who just a few months previously had won the decathlon and pentathlon at the Olympic Games in Stockholm.

Why did Eisenhower stop coaching?

“He was in great demand,” the sports historian says. “He finally had to stop, because he didn’t want to be known just as a coach.”.

How many times did FDR swim?

After being stricken with polio and losing his ability to walk at age 39, the future president realized that water could support his weakened body, and began swimming three times a week in order to rebuild himself enough to resume his political career, according to the FDR Library website . It worked.

What college did JFK go to?

John F. Kennedy. JFK played left end and tackle on the football team at Choate Hall, his prep school, and swam on the varsity team at Harvard, according to Sports Illustrated.

What did Teddy Roosevelt do after he was sick?

After a sickly childhood, Teddy Roosevelt determinedly built up his body with vigorous exercise. As a college student, according to a 1957 Harvard Crimson article, Roosevelt began entering in boxing tournaments, where he made up in fierceness and ability to withstand punishment what he lacked in skill.

What does the President's choice of physical pastimes reveal?

A president’s choice of physical pastimes often reveal a lot about character and leadership style , says John Sayle Watterson, author of The Games Presidents Play: Sports and the Presidency (2006).