Does Donald Trump Have His Own Golf Course? A Full List of Properties

You might have seen the headlines about a former president spending his weekends on the fairways instead of in an office. The question "Does Donald Trump have his own golf course?" comes up often, especially when you see him playing at exclusive clubs across the country and abroad. The short answer is yes, but it’s not just one single course. It is actually a portfolio of high-end golf courses that he has owned, developed, or managed under the Trump brand.

For years, these properties were central to his business identity before he entered politics. Even after leaving the White House, they remain a significant part of his personal brand and financial empire. But how many are there? Who actually owns them now? And what makes these specific layouts different from your local municipal course? Let’s break down the reality behind the green flags.

The Evolution of the Trump Golf Brand

To understand if he has "his own" course, we first need to look at how the business started. Donald Trump is a former U.S. President and media personality who built a real estate and hospitality empire didn't start with golf. In the early 1980s, he was already known for skyscrapers and hotels. He saw golf as a way to attract wealthy clients to his other properties.

The first major move was in 1987 when he acquired the Westchester Country Club in New York. He renamed it Trump National Golf Club a chain of luxury golf clubs associated with the Trump Organization. This wasn't just about changing a sign; it was about rebranding an existing asset to fit his luxury image. Over the next two decades, he expanded this model, buying land, renovating old courses, and building new ones from scratch. By the time he became president in 2016, he owned interests in over ten golf facilities worldwide.

The key thing to know is that "ownership" in this context can be complex. Sometimes he owns the land outright. Other times, he licenses the name to developers who run the day-to-day operations. For the average fan trying to figure out if he plays on property he personally holds title to, the distinction matters less than the fact that these courses are branded exclusively under his name.

Key Courses in the United States

If you are looking for the places where he is most likely to tee off, you need to look at the flagship locations in the U.S. These aren't hidden gems; they are major destinations for serious golfers and tourists alike.

• Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (New Jersey): This is perhaps the most famous of his domestic courses. Located near his residence in Turnberry, New Jersey, this 36-hole facility opened in 1999. It features two distinct nine-hole loops: the Mountain Course and the Valley Course. Because it is close to home, this is where he spends a significant amount of his leisure time. The layout was designed by Tom Fazio, a renowned architect, to challenge players with elevation changes and tight fairways.
• Trump National Golf Club Westchester (New York): As mentioned, this was the first. Located in Rye, New York, it sits on the Hudson River. It’s a historic club that predates Trump’s involvement, but he transformed it into a private, members-only sanctuary. The course is known for its water hazards and tree-lined holes. It remains one of the most exclusive addresses in the Northeast.
• Trump International Golf Links & Spa (Scotland): Wait, Scotland isn’t the U.S., but it’s crucial to mention because of its prestige. Opened in 2012 in Aberdeenshire, this links-style course was designed by Martin Hawtree. It offers views of the North Sea and the Cairngorms mountains. While geographically distant, it holds a special place in his portfolio as a world-class championship venue.
• Trump National Doral (Florida): Located in Miami, this massive resort includes an 18-hole championship course. It has hosted PGA Tour events, adding to its credibility. The design emphasizes width and strategy, requiring players to think carefully about their approach shots rather than just driving for distance.

These courses share a common thread: they are expensive. Membership fees, greens fees, and accommodation costs are priced for the top tier of earners. This exclusivity is part of the brand promise. You aren't just paying for a round of golf; you are paying for access to a certain lifestyle.

International Expansion and Ownership Structures

The Trump golf brand didn't stop at American borders. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the organization expanded globally. This expansion introduced a different ownership model: licensing. Instead of buying millions of acres of land in foreign countries, Trump would license his name to local developers. They build and operate the course, and he receives royalties based on revenue.

This model allowed for rapid growth without the heavy capital expenditure of direct ownership. Some notable international locations include:

• Trump International Golf Links (Ireland): Located in Waterford, this course opened in 2014. It features dramatic coastal views and challenging bunkering. The development faced some environmental scrutiny during construction, highlighting the regulatory hurdles such large projects face.
• Trump National Golf Club (Philippines): Situated in Manila, this course opened in 2015. It was part of a larger mixed-use development. However, like several other international ventures, it has faced operational challenges and changes in management over the years.
• Trump International Golf Club (Bedminster, NJ) vs. Others: It's important to note that while the Bedminster course is fully owned by his family trust, many international courses are purely licensing deals. This means that if you play in Dubai or Malaysia, you are playing on a course that bears his name but is not directly owned by him.

This distinction is vital for understanding the business. When people ask if he has "his own" course, they usually mean direct ownership. In that sense, the U.S. and Scottish properties are the core assets. The international ones are brand extensions.

Political Controversies and Public Access

Golf and politics don't always mix well, especially when tax dollars are involved. During his presidency, Trump faced intense scrutiny over his use of federal resources to play golf. Critics argued that Secret Service protection costs for his trips to Bedminster and other courses amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars in public funds.

This led to a public debate about whether a sitting president should own businesses that could create conflicts of interest. The Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution was cited by legal experts who worried that foreign dignitaries staying at his hotels or playing his courses could be seen as gifts to the president. To address some concerns, he placed his business interests into a blind trust, though critics argued the structure still benefited his family.

After leaving office, the dynamic changed. He returned to playing regularly, often using these courses as venues for political rallies or meetings with allies. The courses themselves remained open to the public, albeit at premium prices. There was no ban on him playing, but the visibility of his games increased significantly due to media coverage.

Design Philosophy and Player Experience

What does it actually feel like to play a Trump golf course? If you’ve ever walked onto any of these properties, you’ll notice a consistent design philosophy. Most of the courses were designed by top-tier architects like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, or Martin Hawtree. They prioritize aesthetics and difficulty.

Fairways are often narrow, demanding precision off the tee. Greens are fast and undulating, requiring careful reading of slopes. Bunkering is strategic, not just decorative. The goal is to separate skilled players from amateurs. This aligns with the brand’s positioning as elite and exclusive.

However, player experiences vary. Some praise the immaculate conditioning of the turf and the scenic beauty of the locations. Others criticize the high cost and the sometimes rigid membership policies. At private clubs like Westchester, non-members rarely get a chance to play unless they are guests of a member. At resort locations like Doral or Aberdeen, anyone can book a tee time if they can afford it.

The service level is generally high, reflecting the luxury hotel standards associated with the Trump Organization. Carts are provided, pro shops are well-stocked, and dining options are upscale. It’s a complete experience, not just a game of golf.

Current Status and Future Outlook

As of 2026, the Trump golf portfolio remains active. Some international locations have closed or changed hands due to economic shifts or local regulations, but the core U.S. and Scottish properties continue to operate. The brand continues to leverage its association with success and exclusivity.

For golf enthusiasts, the question of ownership is less important than the opportunity to play. Whether you are a casual golfer willing to splurge on a round in Florida or a serious player seeking a challenge in New Jersey, these courses offer a unique experience. They are not just sports facilities; they are statements of wealth and status.

If you are planning a visit, keep in mind that availability can be limited, especially at private clubs. Booking well in advance is essential. Also, be prepared for the cost. Greens fees can range from $200 to over $500 depending on the location and season. Add in cart rentals, food, and drinks, and the total bill can quickly exceed $1,000 per person.

In summary, yes, Donald Trump has his own golf courses. More accurately, he has a network of them. From the hills of New Jersey to the coasts of Scotland, these properties define a significant part of his post-presidential life and business legacy. They are places where politics fades into the background, and the focus returns to the game itself-albeit a very expensive version of it.