Fun Presidential Golf Facts

Who was the first golfing President?

William Howard Taft was the first president to openly play golf. Before President Taft, no US president would openly admit to playing golf because how the public saw it as a rich man’s game.

Which President played the most golf?

Woodrow Wilson holds the record for most golf by a president. In six years, he played over 1200 rounds of golf.

Who installed the first putting green at The White House?

Dwight Eisenhower is responsible for installing the first putting green at the White House.

Which President was known for hitting spectators while playing golf?

Gerald Ford was famous for hitting spectators with golf balls. 

Which President’s round of golf at Augusta was interrupted by an armed gunman?

During a round at Augusta National in October 1983, an armed gunman drove his truck through an entrance gate and took five hostages in the club’s pro shop, demanding to speak to Ronald Reagan. Two hours later, the man was arrested. No one was hurt and the man ended up serving three years in prison.

Which US Presidents didn’t play golf?

There have only been 3 presidents out of the last 20 presidents who haven’t played golf. They include Jimmy Carter, Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover.

Which of the former US Presidents have been elected to the Golf Hall of Fame?

Dwight D. Eisenhower was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in 2009 and George H.W. Bush was inducted in 2011.

Who removed the putting green at The White House?

Richard Nixon ultimately gave up the game of golf in his second term and removed the putting green that Eisenhower installed at the White House.

Who was the first President to join the USGA?

Gerald Ford was the first president to join the United States Golf Association (USGA) and was the honorary chairman of the first President’s Cup.

Which President reinstalled the putting green at the White House?

Clinton reinstalled the putting green that Nixon removed at the White House.

Which President was known as the "speed golfer"?

George H.W. Bush famously played 18 holes with a foursome in 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Whose great grandfather founded the Walker Cup?

George W. Bush ‘s maternal great grandfather, George Herbert Walker was president of the U.S. Golf Association and founded the Walker Cup.

Who is the only left-handed golfing President?

Barack Obama. Eight other Presidents were lefties but did not play left-handed.

Which President had the lowest handicap?

While in office, Donald Trump had a handicap of 2.8. He 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.

We hope you enjoyed this presidential trivia. Which fact surprised you most?