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.

Palm City Tennis, Golf & Country Club

Living in Harbour Ridge is to join the Palm City Country Club community. With tennis, golf, yachting and other club life perks, you'll be placed in one of the Treasure Coast's most exclusive country clubs.

Palm City County Club and Golf Community

You'll be at home in our warm, welcoming community. Harbour Ridge residences are just minutes away from Palm City and Stuart and offer homes of many styles and sizes. Our community is comprised of over 28 unique villages, each created around a particular theme. In the East Hammock, you'll find large estate homes with deep pools and grand patios. These homes back directly to our River Ridge golf course. The Patio Homes of the South Shore highlight homes of smaller proportions, but never sacrifice on the amenities and luxuries you've come to expect of Harbour Ridge. The Palmetto condominium complex offers ideal residences for retirees with sweeping golf course views. Whether, you're a young couple, family, or in your golden years, Harbour Ridge offers the perfect fit for you.

Be Welcome At Harbour Ridge

Harbour Ridge is a community where golfers and tennis players mingle with yachters and nature enthusiasts to create a buzzing, active community of residents, each one of whom is proud to call Harbour Ridge their home. Sports and cards, activities and events, and a shared love for their Club bring members together and give Harbour Ridge its unique appeal. Living in harmony with nature inspires a spirit of peace and respect for their fellow residents, making Harbour Ridge a place of beauty, friendship and joy. Harbour Ridge, Palm City Country Club

Award-Winning Golf Communities in Stuart FL

Stuart, Florida is a world-renowned golfer and boater's paradise located in Florida's sunny Treasure Coast. There are over 20 golf communities in Stuart, FL, and the surrounding area accompanied by dozens of courses for all styles of play. For a truly rich experience, players turn time and time again to the world-class courses found at Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club.

Golf Communities in Stuart FL

Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club is home to two 18-hole championship golf courses. Each course offers different sets of tees to accommodate every level of golfer. Whether you're taking your child for his or her first time on an 18-hole course or you're set to compete against the best, you're sure to enjoy the artistry behind each course.

River Ridge Golf Course

The River Ridge Course was designed by golf community master planners, Pete & P.B. Dye. This is a course for the player who enjoys a bit of a challenge as it boasts one of the highest slope ratings in Florida. Claims to fame include hosting numerous qualifying rounds for USGA Championships - including the world-renowned U.S. Open.

The Golden Marsh Golf Course

If you've ever stood on the green of The Golden Marsh Course at sunrise, you'll know where it gets its name. This course takes advantage of Florida's natural beauty to provide golfers with a play experience beneath swaying palms banking sweeping vistas. Master golf course architect Joe Lee made use of the course's natural lakes and marshes to add both an element of beauty and challenge to the course.

With many excellent members of Harbour Ridge Yacht Country Club, few golf communities in Stuart, FL, enjoy such an exclusive caliber of play. Additionally, this 855-acre community offers members and residents a welcoming community where golfers and tennis players mix with yachters and mature lovers. Harbour Ridge truly is a community based on connection and friendship.

Best Country Club in Palm City

Harbour Ridge is the premiere country club in Palm City, Florida. The meticulously kept grounds of Harbour Ridge feature two championship golf courses complete with breath-taking views of the natural landscaping. Harbour Ridge Country Club packages the best of country club living with all of the expected amenities and more. Our Treasure Coast yacht and country club feature a state of the art fitness center, masterful tennis courts, an exciting club life, fine dining and casual eateries and a breath-taking marina for residents to enjoy. At the heart of Harbour Ridge, you’ll find five-star services and top-notch offerings for the pleasure of residents and guests.

Club Life at Harbour Ridge

The community of Harbour Ridge is built upon a sense of harmony with nature among the residents. Club life is uniquely designed to enhance the level of beauty, friendship and joy experienced by club members. The diverse community consists of tennis lovers, avid golfers, nature enthusiasts and dedicated yachters. This unique combination of interests and hobbies is the perfect foundation for our highly anticipated schedule of activities. From Master Chef challenges to Grandparents Weekend, we host an array of events to keep club life at Harbour Ridge rich and exciting.

Palm City Yacht Club

The Harbour Ridge Yacht Club has a full plate of fun activities on and off the water. Each year we organize a full spread of water-loving activities for members to enjoy. Some of the events are formal, and some activities are a little more casual. We invite you to learn more about our exclusive yacht club and its offerings. Click here for more details.

Palm City Championship Golf Courses

A wise man once said that there is no better way to spend the day than golfing. We don’t disagree. Our championship golf courses are nestled into a beautiful design of challenging shots and breathtaking landscaping. The designers wanted to create a beautiful course for golf lovers to enjoy while prioritizing environmental preservation. A day of golf on our top golf courses is designed to enhance your skills while providing a tranquil escape into nature.

The History of Country Clubs

For years country club living has been the top of the scale for those looking to enjoy an exclusive lifestyle with all of the perks and amenities. Country clubs are said to have originated on the lush green lands of Scotland and migrated into the United States circa 1880. These tightly contained exclusive clubs functioned much more like an organizations. They provided their members with a private community social center built on activities such as tennis, cricket and golf. Country clubs grew to become a staple in the American life and many families aspired to join these prestigious clubs.
Harbour Ridge is known as the leading country club in Palm City and has served as a vital part of the Palm City community for many years. Historically noted as one of the first private waterfront golf communities in the state of Florida, the development has grown to encompass almost 700 residences and 885 acres of natural beauty. Make your home here at Harbour Ridge.
With all of the exclusive amenities, exciting activities surrounding the area and the breath-taking views of nature, Harbour Ridge ranks #1 on the most beautiful places to live in Florida. Don't miss your chance to learn more about Harbour Ridge and be our guest. Plan your trip to Harbour Ridge today.