Does Donald Trump own golf courses? Here’s the full list and what they’re like

Yes, Donald Trump owns multiple golf courses - and he’s built a whole business around them. By 2025, he controlled at least 17 golf properties across the U.S. and internationally. These aren’t just private clubs. They’re high-end resorts with luxury hotels, spas, and exclusive memberships, often marketed under the Trump name. His golf empire started in the 1990s and grew fast, fueled by his brand and real estate ambitions.

How Trump Got Into Golf

Trump didn’t grow up playing golf. He wasn’t even a serious player until his 40s. But he saw golf as a status symbol - a place where business deals happened, and where powerful people gathered. In 1995, he bought his first major course: the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles. He didn’t just buy it. He rebuilt it completely, adding ocean views, redesigned fairways, and a private club atmosphere. That move set the pattern: buy underperforming courses, rename them, upgrade them, and charge premium prices.

By 2005, he owned or managed over a dozen courses. He didn’t always own the land outright. Many were licensed under management agreements - meaning he controlled branding, pricing, and operations, but didn’t hold the deed. Still, they all carried the Trump name. And that name carried weight. Membership fees at his top clubs hit $200,000. Green fees for outsiders? Up to $500 on peak days.

The Biggest Trump Golf Properties

Not all Trump golf courses are the same. Some are tucked into rural areas. Others sit on prime coastal land. Here are the most notable ones as of 2025:

• Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster, New Jersey - This is his home course. He plays here often. It’s a 200-acre property with two 18-hole courses, a private club, and a resort-style hotel. It’s also where he hosted G7 leaders in 2018.
• Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach, Florida - One of his first major projects. It’s known for its lush landscaping and strict dress code. Memberships here cost over $150,000.
• Trump International Golf Links, Doonbeg, Ireland - His only international course outside the U.S. Built on a rugged Atlantic coastline, it’s one of the most expensive courses he’s developed. It opened in 2012 and draws golfers from Europe and the Middle East.
• Trump National Golf Club, Sterling, Virginia - Located just outside Washington, D.C., this course became a political hotspot. It’s where many of his supporters and donors played during his presidency.
• Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter, Florida - A sprawling 320-acre property with a championship course designed by Tom Fazio. It includes a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and a private beach.

He also owned or had stakes in courses in Scotland (Turnberry), California (Los Angeles), and New York (Briarcliff Manor). Some have since been sold or rebranded. For example, he sold his course in Las Vegas in 2020. Others, like the one in Maryland, were forced to change names after legal disputes.

How Much Are Trump’s Golf Courses Worth?

Estimates vary, but in 2025, analysts valued his golf holdings between $1.2 billion and $1.8 billion. That’s not just land value. It includes the hotels, spas, restaurants, and brand licensing. His most profitable assets aren’t the greens - they’re the memberships. A single club can bring in $20 million a year in dues alone. Plus, he sells branded merchandise, hosts corporate events, and rents out venues for weddings.

But there’s a catch. Many of these properties have struggled with profitability. Several reported losses in the 2010s. The IRS flagged some for questionable tax write-offs. And after his presidency, a number of banks cut ties with his companies. That made refinancing harder. Still, the Trump brand keeps drawing customers - especially those who want to be seen at a place named after a former president.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Trump’s golf courses have been tied to multiple legal and ethical problems. In 2021, New York’s attorney general sued him for inflating property values to get loans. The lawsuit claimed he exaggerated the size of fairways and the number of luxury units to secure better financing. He settled in 2023, paying $5 million and agreeing to financial audits.

Another issue: tax breaks. In 2017, Congress passed a tax law that allowed businesses to write off capital expenses faster. Trump’s golf companies took advantage - claiming $200 million in deductions over five years. Critics called it a loophole meant for small businesses, not billionaire real estate empires.

Environmental concerns also follow him. His course in Scotland was accused of damaging coastal dunes. In New Jersey, wetlands were filled in without permits. Local groups have sued him over water usage and habitat destruction. Courts have ordered repairs at several sites, but enforcement has been slow.

Are Trump’s Golf Courses Still Popular?

Despite the controversies, they’re still busy. On weekends, you’ll find corporate groups, retired executives, and international tourists playing his courses. Some members say the service is top-tier. Others complain about the politics - many players avoid Trump courses because of his public image.

One surprising trend: younger golfers are showing up. Not to support him, but because the courses are well-maintained and affordable compared to other elite clubs. A round at Trump National in Virginia costs $220 on a weekday - less than Pebble Beach or Augusta National. That’s made them attractive to high-income players who don’t care about the name, just the quality.

He also uses the courses as political tools. During the 2024 election cycle, he hosted fundraisers at Bedminster and Jupiter. Supporters paid $10,000 to play a round with him. That’s not just golf - it’s a fundraising machine.

What Happens to His Golf Empire Now?

Trump’s golf business is now run by his sons, Eric and Donald Jr. They’ve shifted focus from expansion to maintenance. No new courses are planned. Instead, they’re upgrading existing ones - adding AI-driven turf monitoring, solar-powered carts, and carbon-neutral maintenance practices. They’re also pushing digital memberships and virtual tee-time booking.

But the future is uncertain. If Trump runs again and wins, his courses will likely get even more attention - and more scrutiny. If he loses, some banks and partners may cut ties further. The brand’s value is tied to his public persona. When that fades, so might the appeal of a Trump-branded fairway.

For now, the courses are still standing. The grass is green. The flags are flying. And the membership lists are still full - even if the reasons why people join have changed.

Trump’s golf empire is more than just a hobby - it’s a complex mix of business, branding, and politics. Whether you admire it or criticize it, you can’t ignore it. The courses are real. The money is real. And the debates around them? Those are only getting louder.