Which president played the most golf

Golf has been a popular pastime for many United States presidents throughout history. It provides a way for presidents to relax, exercise, and even conduct informal diplomacy. While numerous presidents have enjoyed the sport, some stand out for their prolific golfing habits. Let’s explore which president played the most golf.

1. Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921)

Woodrow Wilson is often cited as one of the earliest golf enthusiasts among U.S. presidents. He not only played frequently but also helped popularize the sport during his presidency. Wilson played over 1,000 rounds of golf during his time in office, making him one of the most avid golfers among U.S. presidents.

2. Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961)

Dwight D. Eisenhower was a passionate golfer who is known for introducing the game to many Americans during his presidency. He played an estimated 800 rounds of golf during his two terms in office. His love for golf was so well-known that he even had a putting green installed on the White House lawn.

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

Franklin D. Roosevelt was another president who enjoyed golf, often playing despite his physical disabilities. He used the game as a form of physical therapy and relaxation. While exact numbers of his rounds are not as well-documented as some other presidents, he played a significant amount of golf during his four terms in office.

4. John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)

John F. Kennedy was a charismatic figure on the golf course. He played golf regularly during his presidency and even received golf lessons from the legendary Arnold Palmer. While his presidency was tragically cut short, he was known to be a dedicated golfer.

5. Bill Clinton (1993-2001)

Bill Clinton is one of the more recent presidents with a passion for golf. He often played rounds of golf during his presidency and continued to do so after leaving office. His love for the game was evident, and he frequently played on prestigious courses.

The Role of Golf in Presidential History

Golf has played a unique role in the history of U.S. presidencies, offering a platform for relaxation, exercise, and even political and diplomatic discussions. Here are some additional insights into the significance of golf in presidential history:

1. Diplomacy on the Greens

Golf has often been used by presidents as a means of informal diplomacy. They have used rounds of golf to build rapport with foreign leaders and conduct sensitive discussions. For example, President Eisenhower played golf with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and President Nixon famously played with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai during his historic visit to China.

2. Stress Relief and Exercise

The high-pressure job of being the President of the United States often comes with considerable stress. Golf provides a means of stress relief and exercise. Presidents have used their time on the golf course to clear their minds, get some fresh air, and maintain physical fitness.

3. Connection with the Public

Presidents who played golf often used it as an opportunity to connect with the American public. Photos and news coverage of presidents on the golf course humanize them and make them more relatable to citizens. It can also be a way to foster a sense of unity and national pride.

4. Presidential Courses

Throughout history, various presidents have had an impact on golf facilities. President Warren G. Harding, for instance, was an early proponent of golf and even played on a course he helped design, the Washington D.C. area’s Columbia Country Club. Additionally, many presidents have played golf on courses owned by the military, such as the course at Andrews Air Force Base.

5. Legacy of Presidential Golf

The legacy of presidential golf continues to influence the sport’s popularity and visibility in the United States. The presence of golf on the White House grounds and the regular golf outings of presidents contribute to the sport’s cultural significance and appeal.

Golf Legends

Golfer	Major Championships	PGA Tour Wins	Career Earnings ($)	Country
Tiger Woods	15	82	120,851,706	USA
Jack Nicklaus	18	73	5,734,031	USA
Arnold Palmer	7	62	7,039,568	USA
Sam Snead	7	82	N/A	USA
Ben Hogan	9	64	N/A	USA
Gary Player	9	24	N/A	South Africa
Phil Mickelson	5	45	92,916,562	USA
Rory McIlroy	4	20	56,946,153	Northern Ireland
Seve Ballesteros	5	50	N/A	Spain
Tom Watson	8	39	N/A	USA

Top Golf Courses

Course	Location	Par	Year Established	Designer
Augusta National Golf Club	Augusta, Georgia	72	1933	Alister MacKenzie
Pebble Beach Golf Links	Pebble Beach, California	72	1919	Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
St. Andrews Links	St. Andrews, Scotland	72	1552	Multiple Designers
Pinehurst No. 2	Pinehurst, North Carolina	72	1907	Donald Ross
Cypress Point Club	Pebble Beach, California	72	1928	Alister MacKenzie
Royal County Down Golf Club	Newcastle, Northern Ireland	71	1889	Old Tom Morris
Merion Golf Club	Ardmore, Pennsylvania	70	1912	Hugh Wilson
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club	Southampton, New York	70	1891	William Flynn
Ballybunion Golf Club	Ballybunion, Ireland	71	1893	Multiple Designers
Oakmont Country Club	Oakmont, Pennsylvania	71	1903	Henry Fownes

Golf Equipment Brands

Brand	Founded	Headquarters	Popular Products	Website
Callaway Golf	1982	Carlsbad, USA	Golf clubs, balls, apparel	www.callawaygolf.com
TaylorMade Golf	1979	Carlsbad, USA	Golf clubs, balls, apparel	www.taylormadegolf.com
Titleist	1932	Fairhaven, USA	Golf balls, clubs, gear	www.titleist.com
Ping	1959	Phoenix, USA	Golf clubs, bags, putters	www.ping.com
Cobra Golf	1973	Carlsbad, USA	Golf clubs, apparel, accessories	www.cobragolf.com
Mizuno	1906	Osaka, Japan	Golf clubs, balls, gloves	www.mizunousa.com
Wilson	1913	Chicago, USA	Golf clubs, balls, bags	www.wilson.com
Nike Golf	1998	Beaverton, USA	Golf apparel, footwear, accessories	www.nike.com/golf
Bridgestone Golf	1931	Covington, USA	Golf balls, clubs, accessories	www.bridgestonegolf.com
Srixon	1930	Kobe, Japan	Golf balls, clubs, gloves	www.srixon.com

Golf Scoring Terms

Term	Definition
Birdie	Scoring one stroke under par on a hole.
Eagle	Scoring two strokes under par on a hole.
Bogey	Scoring one stroke over par on a hole.
Par	The standard number of strokes for a hole.
Double Bogey	Scoring two strokes over par on a hole.
Hole-in-One	A shot that goes directly into the hole from the tee.
Albatross	Scoring three strokes under par on a hole.
Fairway	The short grass area between the tee and the green.
Green	The area of very short grass around the hole.
Rough	The longer, thicker grass area off the fairway.

Golf Tournaments

Tournament	Location	Established	Current Champion	Prize Money (USD)
The Masters	Augusta, Georgia	1934	Hideki Matsuyama	$2,070,000
U.S. Open	Various locations, USA	1895	Jon Rahm	$2,250,000
The Open Championship	Various locations, UK	1860	Collin Morikawa	£1,935,000
PGA Championship	Various locations, USA	1916	Phil Mickelson	$2,160,000
Ryder Cup	Various locations	1927	Team Europe (2021)	N/A
FedEx Cup Playoffs	Various locations, USA	2007	Patrick Cantlay	$15,000,000
Presidents Cup	Various locations	1994	Team USA (2019)	N/A
The Players Championship	Ponte Vedra Beach, USA	1974	Justin Thomas	$2,700,000
The BMW Championship	Various locations, USA	2007	Patrick Cantlay	$1,710,000
WGC-HSBC Champions	Shanghai, China	2005	Rory McIlroy	$1,745,000

Conclusion

Golf has been a prominent feature in the lives of many U.S. presidents, offering a way to unwind, connect with others, and conduct informal diplomacy. While the number of rounds played varies from president to president, the impact of golf on presidential history and the nation’s perception of its leaders cannot be underestimated. It remains an enduring pastime for presidents, past and present, and a symbol of their multifaceted roles as leaders, diplomats, and everyday individuals.