Gerald Ford first played there in 1974. Barack Obama reportedly frequented the place 110 times. For the Andrews’ in the White House, this is a routine ritual to bear many such footprints. Except for Donald Trump‘s. Prefering to spend his time on his family courses, the 47th US President has largely stayed away from the famous ‘president’s golf course.’ Until now.

As per reports, the White House has confirmed that Trump is aiming for sweeping changes at the Andrews golf complex. For the revamp that is considered the most significant in the course’s history, the President has brought in Jack Nicklaus for the job. For the 18-time major champ, the offer couldn’t have come at a better time as he just won his defamation case against The Nicklaus Companies. It is reported that, during last year’s Thanksgiving, the two toured the Andrews together by helicopter, surveying its grounds.

To Trump, the course’s condition did not fare well. He called Andrews “a great place” that had been “destroyed over the years through lack of maintenance.” As per his analysis, the courses, which are in a “very bad shape,” can be improved “for very little money.” That particular assessment has not sat well with many, who consider the grounds as generally well-maintained.

While, of course, it is not the best in the world, Andrews is indeed the most secure. As the home of Air Force One, it has two full 18-hole courses, along with a nine-hole course. To access it, you either have to be an active or retired military personnel, someone from their family, a federal employee, or the President of the United States of America. The general public is not allowed.

“President Trump is a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for detail and design,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement. “His vision to renovate and beautify Joint Base Andrews’ golf courses will bring much-needed improvements.

Ever since assuming his second term, Trump has driven an aggressive slate of construction initiatives. From redesigning the Rose Garden to ordering the construction of new monuments across Washington, the list is long. He has also demolished the White House East Wing to build a ballroom. That project was initially estimated to be at $200-$250 M but now sits closer to a $400 M.

For Andrews, though, the funding remains an unanswered question. It is largely a military property. So it is unclear whether the financial burden will be borne by the Defense Department, private donors, or from Trump’s personal funds. Or maybe a combination of all three?

The timing of this announcement is also notable. Just this week, the Trump admin ended a lease agreement with a non-profit that looked after three public golf courses. With this move, doors can be opened for Trump to exert his greater influence on the Andrews. Although the White House has said the decisions are not related to Andrews, the move has surely raised speculations.

Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be new for the courses if Trump goes ahead with his construction. Back in 2018, Congress approved several funding requests to make changes in the nearby military base. Because the project was close to the golf course, portions of it also saw some alterations. But this time, the ambitions are believed to be broad. And with Jack Nicklaus at the helm of it, one can expect some fancy changes.

Top Stories

Huge Fire Destroys Over 125-Year-Old Golf Club Designed by 5x Open Winner in London – Report

Scottie Scheffler’s Caddie Shares Cryptic Message as He Bids Fans ‘Goodbye’

Tiger Woods’ Warm Moment With Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren Caught on Camera at Son Charlie’s Junior Event

Brooks Koepka’s LIV Golf Exit Explained as Ex-Pro Reveals Brutal Reality

Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren’s Reaction to Tiger Woods Dating Vanessa Trump Speaks Volumes

A far bigger transformation?

As per the White House, the courses and their clubhouse require an upgrade. But if you have seen Jack Nicklaus’s past work, you would know that it goes beyond basic touch-ups. For instance, at Sailfish Point in Florida, Nicklaus replaced every blade of grass, re-turfed the course with TifEagle Bermuda, and installed a modern irrigation system. In 2021, the cost of the entire project came to be at $7 M.

For the Andrews, there are discussions underway about adding a multifunctional event center. That simply means the changes are to be more significant than a mere fairways revamp.

An expansion of dining areas, meeting rooms, and flexible spaces suited for high-profile events are some of the changes that could be expected. Nicklaus’s work also involves expansion of tee complexes, changing the bunkers, and expanding practice areas. Regardless, if such mass-scale renovations are expected, then a formal approval process or an environmental review is necessary, of which there has been no mention so far.

When the Andrews overhaul begins remains to be seen. And if this changes, Trump’s golfing habits are also debatable. But what is clear is that the future of the ‘president’s golf course’ is consequential.