Woodrow Wilson played the most golf of any US president. He played an estimated 1,200 rounds during his 8 years in office (1913-1921), often playing 6 days a week. He even played in the snow, using black golf balls on white fairways.
Most golf-playing presidents (ranked)
| President | Years in office | Estimated rounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodrow Wilson | 1913-1921 | ~1,200 | Played almost daily; used painted balls in snow |
| Dwight Eisenhower | 1953-1961 | ~800 | Had a putting green installed at the White House |
| Donald Trump | 2017-2021 | ~300+ | Owns multiple courses; played frequently at his resorts |
| Barack Obama | 2009-2017 | ~300 | Usually played at military courses near DC |
| Bill Clinton | 1993-2001 | ~200+ | Known for taking mulligans; called "Billigan" |
| George H.W. Bush | 1989-1993 | ~200 | Fastest-playing president; 18 holes in under 2 hours |
| JFK | 1961-1963 | ~100 | Hid his golf from media; didn't want Ike comparisons |
Eisenhower's golf obsession
Eisenhower was the most publicly devoted golfer among presidents. He installed a putting green on the White House South Lawn in 1954 (it's still there). He was a member of Augusta National and played there nearly 30 times during his presidency.
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The large loblolly pine on Augusta's 17th hole was called "Eisenhower's Tree" because he hit it so often he reportedly asked the club to remove it. Augusta refused. The tree was eventually removed in 2014 after ice storm damage.
Eisenhower's handicap was around 14-18 during his presidency.
Wilson's daily golf habit
Wilson played golf nearly every morning before work, regardless of weather. During World War I, he continued playing, which drew some criticism. His doctor had recommended golf for his health, and Wilson took the prescription seriously.
He wasn't great at it. His handicap was reportedly around 25-30. But he played more rounds than any other president by a wide margin.
JFK's hidden game
John F. Kennedy was the best golfer among modern presidents, with a handicap estimated around 7-10. He played varsity golf at Harvard. But he kept his golf private because he had used Eisenhower's golfing image against him during the 1960 campaign, portraying Ike as disengaged and leisure-focused.
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George H.W. Bush: speed golf champion
Bush 41 was famous for playing 18 holes in under 2 hours. He'd sprint between shots and called his style "speed golf." He also played horseshoes, tennis, and fishing, often on the same day.
Presidents who didn't play
Not all presidents golfed. Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, and Herbert Hoover rarely or never played. Truman preferred walking and poker. Carter preferred fishing and running.
For more on the game itself, see our beginner's golf guide and golf in the Olympics.
