In the world of golf and the United States presidency, Dwight Eisenhower stands out as a prominent figure. During his two terms as president in the 1950s, Eisenhower played an estimated 800 rounds of golf, helping to popularize the game. He was a member at Augusta National, had a tree named after him on the 17th fairway, and had close friendships with golfers Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer. Eisenhower’s love for golf extended to the Coachella Valley, where he visited twice during his presidency and later lived in a house on the 11th fairway at Eldorado Country Club.
Following in Eisenhower’s footsteps, Donald Trump has also made a mark in the golf world. Before and after his presidency, Trump has played plenty of golf and owned more than a dozen golf courses in the US and Scotland. Despite controversies surrounding his handicap, Trump is said to be a skilled golfer with a handicap of around 3. Like Eisenhower, Trump has been part of the long list of US presidents who have played golf in the Coachella Valley. However, Trump has played fewer rounds in the valley compared to other presidents who have chosen to live part-time in the desert.
Eisenhower and another former president, Gerald Ford, both chose to live part of the year in the desert, allowing them the opportunity to play golf at various courses. Ford made his only hole-in-one at Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs, while Ford lived at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage and participated in the Bob Hope Classic. Ford even played alongside sitting President Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush in the 1995 Hope tournament, demonstrating the camaraderie and sportsmanship among former presidents.
Throughout the years, other US presidents like Ronald Reagan, John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Barack Obama have also played golf in the desert. Some presidents, like Obama, continued golfing in the desert even after their presidential terms ended. Trump, on the other hand, did not play golf in the desert while in office but owned courses on the East Coast and in Florida. His most notable golf moment in the desert was during the Hope tournament in 1993, where he played alongside celebrities from entertainment, sports, and politics.
Despite not playing golf in the desert as president, Trump has added to the desert’s reputation as a golfing playground for presidents. His involvement in the Hope tournament in 1993, with notable players like Bob Hope, George H.W. Bush, and celebrities from various fields, showcased his passion for the game. While Trump will not be adding to his desert golf rounds this Saturday, his presence in the region continues to be associated with the rich history of golf and the US presidency in the Coachella Valley.
