Trump-owned golf clubs: What you need to know about the courses and controversy

When people talk about Trump-owned golf clubs, golf courses in the U.S. and abroad that are owned, named, or operated by Donald Trump or his company. Also known as Trump golf resorts, these properties are part of a global network of private clubs that blend high-end amenities with political visibility. They’re not just places to play golf—they’re symbols. Some see them as luxury destinations with top-tier conditions. Others see them as extensions of a brand built on controversy and polarization.

The Trump golf courses, a collection of 17 golf properties worldwide owned by the Trump Organization as of 2025. Also known as Trump golf resorts, they include well-known sites like Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. These aren’t small operations. Many have hosted PGA Tour events, professional tournaments, and even presidential retreats. But they’ve also drawn protests, lawsuits, and scrutiny over land use, environmental impact, and public funding. In Scotland, for example, the Trump International Golf Links faced fierce local opposition over coastal erosion and habitat damage. In the U.S., some courses received taxpayer-backed infrastructure upgrades, sparking debates about whether public money should support private, politically linked businesses.

What’s clear is that these clubs sit at the intersection of sport, business, and politics. They’re not just about fairways and bunkers—they’re about branding, influence, and identity. Whether you’re a golfer who just wants a good round, a fan curious about the headlines, or someone researching how private ownership shapes public spaces, the stories behind these courses are complex. You’ll find posts here that break down the facts: where they’re located, how they’re managed, what players say about the conditions, and why they keep showing up in the news.

Below, you’ll see real articles that dig into the details—what makes these clubs different from other private courses, how they’ve changed over time, and why people either love them or can’t stand them. No fluff. Just what’s real, what’s reported, and what matters to those who play, live near, or follow these places.