Golf has long been a favorite pastime of American presidents, offering a blend of relaxation, competition, and networking. From the early 20th century to today, the White House has been home to avid golfers who have used the game for leisure, diplomacy, and even political strategy. In honor of Presidents’ Day, let’s take a look at the U.S. presidents who shared a passion for the fairways.

William Howard Taft: The First Golfer-in-Chief

William Howard Taft (1909–1913) was the first known president to embrace golf. Despite his large frame, Taft was an enthusiastic player who helped popularize the game in America. He reportedly played as often as possible, even when it wasn’t politically expedient.

Woodrow Wilson: Golf in the Snow

Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921) was another early adopter of golf, playing regularly despite poor eyesight. He often played in winter, using black golf balls to find them in the snow. However, his skill level never reached an impressive standard—some reports say he played more out of habit than passion.

Warren G. Harding: A Golfer Who Loved the Clubhouse

Warren G. Harding (1921–1923) enjoyed the social aspects of golf just as much as the sport itself. He was known for frequenting golf courses with business and political allies, using the game as an opportunity to build relationships.

Calvin Coolidge: The Reluctant Golfer

Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929) wasn’t a natural golfer, and his enthusiasm for the game was lukewarm at best. After he left office, his golf clubs were reportedly left behind at the White House, signaling the end of his time on the course.

Herbert Hoover: The Exception to the Rule

Herbert Hoover (1929–1933) was one of the few modern presidents who did not take up golf. He preferred fishing and other outdoor activities but showed little interest in the game that so many of his predecessors and successors loved.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Golfer Before Polio

Before polio restricted his mobility, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945) was an avid golfer. Unfortunately, his illness prevented him from continuing with the sport once he entered the presidency.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Golf’s White House Boom

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953–1961) is often credited with bringing golf into the mainstream of American culture. A close friend of Arnold Palmer, Eisenhower installed a putting green at the White House and played more than 800 rounds during his presidency and was even a member of Augusta National Golf Club. Once, while playing at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado, he became so frustrated with a tree that frequently blocked his shots that he requested its removal. The "Eisenhower Tree" stood. for decades until it was finally removed in 2014 due to storm damage. His love for the game made golf more accessible and popular among everyday Americans.

John F. Kennedy: A Smooth Swinger

John F. Kennedy (1961–1963) had perhaps the best swing of any U.S. president. Though he played less frequently due to chronic back pain, his natural athleticism made him one of the most skilled golfing presidents. According to golf legend Sam Snead, Kennedy could have been one of the best golfing presidents if his health had allowed him to play more. However, because he was conscious of his public image, he avoided being photographed golfing too often, worried that it would make him seem out of touch with working-class Americans.

Lyndon B. Johnson: Golf for Political Gain

Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969) wasn’t passionate about golf, but he understood its power as a networking tool. He often used rounds of golf to persuade lawmakers and business leaders to support his policies and stretched the rules of the game to keep things moving in his favor. It's said that he wasn't above taking a foot wedge if it helped the cause.

Richard Nixon: A Private Golfer

Richard Nixon (1969–1974) was a dedicated golfer but avoided publicizing his passion for the game, as he worried about the optics. He played frequently and even had a strong appreciation for golf course architecture.

Gerald Ford: A Powerful (But Wild) Swing

Gerald Ford (1974–1977), a former college football player known for his athleticism, was an avid golfer known for his powerful—yet sometimes inaccurate—drives. He played in many celebrity pro-ams, often alongside the likes of Bob Hope. He famously hit spectators including Bob Hope during the tournaments. At one event, he even struck a woman in the head, leading Hope to quip, "It's great to be here, even if it is a hazardous way to make a living." His occasional errant shots made for humorous moments, but his love for the game was undeniable.

Jimmy Carter: A Rare Golfer

Jimmy Carter (1977–1981) was not a frequent golfer. He played occasionally but never embraced the game like many of his predecessors. His presidency focused more on outdoor activities like running and fishing.

Ronald Reagan: Golf with Security Challenges

Ronald Reagan (1981–1989) played golf sporadically but wasn’t as dedicated to the sport as other presidents. One of his most famous golf moments came in 1983 when he was playing golf at Augusta National and a disgruntled man crashed his truck through the club’s gates and took hostages in the pro shop, demanding to speak to the president. Secret Service agents quickly secured Reagan and took him away from the course, while the standoff was eventually resolved peacefully. The bizarre event remains one of the strangest intersections of presidential history and golf.

George H.W. Bush: Speed Golfer Extraordinaire

George H.W. Bush (1989–1993) came from a family of golfers—his grandfather, George Herbert Walker, was one of the founders of the Walker Cup. Bush played at a fast pace, sometimes finishing 18 holes in under two hours. He disliked slow play. One famous story involves him playing golf with journalist Ken Raynor, where Bush would hit his shot, start walking, and yell, “Pick it up!” before his opponent had even lined up his putt. His rapid pace earned him a reputation as the fastest presidential golfer. In 2011, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game.

Bill Clinton: Mulligan Master

Bill Clinton (1993–2001) enjoyed golf and was known for taking generous mulligans. His golfing partners often joked that he played “Billigans” instead of golf, as he frequently gave himself extra shots. Despite this, he had a deep appreciation for the game and played with numerous golf legends during his time in office. He used golf for both relaxation and political networking, often playing with business leaders and fellow politicians.

George W. Bush: Keeping It Low-Key

George W. Bush (2001–2009) was a solid golfer but gave up the game during his presidency, believing it was inappropriate to be seen playing while American troops were at war. He returned to the sport after leaving office.

Barack Obama: A Presidential Regular

Barack Obama (2009–2017) played golf frequently during his presidency, often using the game as a way to unwind. His smooth left-handed swing was a regular sight on courses around Washington, D.C., and Hawaii.

Donald Trump: The Most Active Presidential Golfer?

Donald Trump (2017–2021) is arguably the most golf-obsessed president in history. As the owner of multiple golf courses worldwide, he played often and even had a single-digit handicap at his best. Golfers who have played with him, have commented on his ability but also noted that he has a tendency to improve his lie when no one is looking. His time in office saw him golfing frequently, often with professional players and political allies. Looking forward to more golf stories during his current presidency.

Joe Biden: A Casual Golfer

Joe Biden (2021–Present) enjoys golf but plays less frequently than his predecessor. One of his more notable rounds was with his brother and grandson at Wilmington Country Club. Unlike Trump or Obama, Biden did not make golf a centerpiece of his leisure activities, but he was spotted on the course from time to time.

The Legacy of Golfing Presidents

From Taft to Biden, golf has remained a staple in the lives of many U.S. presidents. Some used it for relaxation, others for networking, and a few for pure love of the game. Regardless of skill level, these commanders-in-chief have helped cement golf as a presidential pastime.

As we celebrate Presidents’ Day, it’s worth remembering that even the most powerful leaders in the world need a good walk (or ride) spoiled every now and then.

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