Meet the First U.S. President Who Publicly Embraced Golf

The connection between golf and US Presidents runs deep. Various Presidents over the years have indulged in the game, playing with professionals as well as on various courses. That being said, not all presidents have shared the same level of enthusiasm over the years.

Donald Trump, who even owns golf courses, is known for his love for the game. The former president has often been seen playing on various courses, even winning club championships along the way.

However, presidents have been playing golf for decades. In fact, the golf craze has been seen at the White House since the 1900s.

Which US President loved golf the most?

As per some reports, William Howard Taft, USA’s 27th President, was the one who actually took to embrace golf. Now, while he might not have been the best golfer out there, his enthusiasm seems to have been unmatched. This was before the Presidents Cup, which has now become an important event in golf’s history.

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Additionally, Taft was the first one to admit to playing golf out loud. With golf being considered a rich man’s sport, many people just preferred to keep this part of their life private.

His love for the game was on another level, especially as he apparently made people record his shots on every hole. Furthermore, he wanted the media to speak about his game (handicap 20).

When did President Taft play golf?

More interestingly, Taft chose to golf over his campaign at times, playing at venues like Hot Spring and Bon Air Hotel. While in office, Taft used to make time for golf amid his meetings, usually dedicating his free time to golf on a course.

“The beauty of golf to me is that you cannot play if you permit yourself to think of anything else,” Taft said. The president liked to play as a way to relax and even avoided work topics on the course.

After all, the small game would offer the president one small break from his daily work life.

That being said, decades later, golf and US Presidents are an inseparable connection. From Donald Trump to Bill Clinton, presidents have been actively playing golf, making it an important part of their life.

Do you have a memorable US President-golf moment to share?

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