Golfers in Chief: Politics on the Green

It is not news that much of the negotiations that determine the future of the nation start on a golf course. It is between holes that politicians from all sides feel more comfortable to express their ideas. Golfing seems to be the favorite pastime of presidents. Fifteen out of eighteen elected presidents were active golf players. It is such a remarkable presence that many have decided on an unofficial ranking of "Golfers in Chief". 

• Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) was the president that played the most rounds. He used to play around the White House with his good friend Dr. Cary T. Grayson practically everyday. Despite the regularity of his practice he was not a very good player, barely breaking 100.
• Richard Nixon (1969-1974) took up golfing mostly as a way to engage with President Eisenhower. Even taking a serious approach to the sport, almost as an obligation of his position, he was not a very talented golfer.
• Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) was a good athlete. However the demands of the time limited his practice to new year's eve in his private course in California.
• Barack Obama (2008-2016) even having basketball as he favorite sport, president Obama doesn't disappoint on the golf course. As a left handed player he is nothing more than an average player, playing primarily at public courses.
• George H.W.Bush (1989-1993) and George W. Bush (2001-2009) coming from a long lineage of players, the Walker descendents are proud to be connected to former president of the US Golf Association and founder of the Walker cup.
• Bill Clinton (1993-2001) with a solid game, the 42nd president is on the top 5 president players. His passion for the sport didn't translate in passion for the rules though.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) although he didn't play a single round while president, due to his paralysis, he was an avid player when younger. He was known to enjoy a tee often at his family's summer home in Maine.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-1961) played more than 800 rounds in his eight years in office. during a time of prosperity and peace he help popularize the sport along with Arnold Palmer.
• Gerald Ford (1974-1977) is considered on of the best athletes to be president. His powerful game outdrove famous playing partners during rounds. His wild game made him also famous for hitting spectators.
• John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) was, undoubtedly the best player among presidents. Even with his physical limitations due to a bad back and Addison's Disease. Although a talented golfer he chose to play less often than his predecessor,Eisenhower,  whose love for the game as seen as a political liability.

Throughout periods of peace and war, internal crisis or international conflict, a good tee has kept our presidents at ease. So next time you invite someone for a round at Harbour Ridge, draw inspiration from the "golfers in chief" that enjoy the sport. 

Follow our Golfing Presidents Board on Pinterest for historical pictures of presidents playing golf.