Golf courses, including those owned by Donald Trump, have posed challenges for Secret Service officials responsible for securing the grounds while the president plays. These courses are often the largest outdoor spaces a president visits, with designs that make them difficult to secure due to their proximity to public roads and potential hiding spots for threats.
Unlike other presidents, Trump's presence at a golf course does not lead to closures for the general public or nearby roads. Instead, Secret Service agents in golf attire use golf carts to escort the president and secure the area before his arrival.
Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach is situated near heavily trafficked roads and the Palm Beach International Airport, making security measures crucial. During Trump's presidency, media access near the golf course was restricted, but some limitations were lifted after he left office.
With Trump no longer in office, the Secret Service's ability to fully surround the golf course is now limited, as acknowledged by the Palm Beach County sheriff in a recent briefing. In contrast, former President Obama frequented the links at Joint Base Andrews, which had restricted access due to its military location.
President Joe Biden, in contrast, rarely engages in golf outings. The challenges of securing golf courses during presidential visits highlight the complexities faced by the Secret Service in ensuring the safety of the commander in chief during recreational activities.
