Trump golf properties: What they are and why they matter in golf culture

When people talk about Trump golf properties, a collection of private and public golf courses owned or licensed by Donald Trump, often featuring luxury amenities and high-profile branding. Also known as Trump-owned golf clubs, these venues are more than just places to play—they’re symbols of wealth, influence, and the intersection of sports and politics. There are over 15 of them worldwide, from Scotland to Florida, each designed to attract elite players and high-spending visitors. They’re not just golf courses; they’re branded experiences with hotels, spas, and exclusive memberships.

These properties aren’t just about the game. They’re tied to golf course ownership, the business model of controlling land, branding, and access in the golf industry. Unlike public municipal courses, Trump properties often charge premium green fees and limit access to members or paying guests. That’s why they’re frequently discussed in debates about public land use, tax breaks, and who gets to enjoy the best golf in the world. Some are built on reclaimed coastal land, others on former farmland—each one sparking local controversy and legal battles over environmental impact and public access.

The golf industry, a multi-billion dollar global sector that includes equipment, tourism, broadcasting, and course development has changed a lot in the last 20 years. Trump golf properties became part of that shift by blending entertainment, celebrity, and real estate. They’re not just for pros—they’re for people who want to say they played where a president played. That’s a powerful draw. Even if you don’t care about politics, you can’t ignore how these courses changed the way golf is marketed. They turned golf into a lifestyle brand, not just a sport.

And then there’s golf tourism, the practice of traveling specifically to play at famous or exclusive courses. People fly from Europe to play at Turnberry in Scotland. Others drive from New York to Jupiter, Florida, just to walk the same fairways as Trump. These aren’t quiet, hidden gems. They’re destinations. And that’s why they show up in news stories, travel guides, and even TV shows—even when the owner isn’t in the spotlight anymore.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of every Trump golf course. It’s a look at how golf works in the real world—where rules meet real estate, where passion meets profit, and where the game is shaped by more than just swings and putts. You’ll see how equipment, scheduling, and even public perception tie into the bigger picture. Whether you love these properties or hate them, you can’t ignore them. They’re part of golf’s story now.