President Donald Trump says he is working with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to renovate the golf facilities at Joint Base Andrews – the historic military installation long known for hosting presidents on the tee.After taking an aerial tour of the Courses at Andrews aboard Marine One, Trump told reporters he plans to revitalize both the base and its recreational facilities. “We’re going to try to get the golf courses back to their former glory,” he said. “I’m meeting with the biggest one, Jack Nicklaus. He’s involved in bringing back their recreational facility.”
Just 15 miles from the White House, the sprawling Andrews complex houses Air Force One and features three 18-hole courses, practice greens, dedicated short-game areas and a driving range. While many presidents have played there — Gerald Ford was the first in 1974 and Barack Obama was a frequent visitor — Trump has largely favored his own properties in New Jersey, Florida and Virginia.
According to Trump, at least two of the Andrews golf courses are “in very poor condition,” with the entire area described as deteriorated “due to lack of maintenance.” He said Nicklaus would take the lead on the redesign. “Jack will be the architect and he will design it,” Trump noted, adding that improvements can be achieved “for very little money.”
Nicklaus, winner of 18 majors and head of a design firm responsible for more than 425 courses worldwide, has previously worked with Trump properties, including projects in Florida and New York.
The announcement led to immediate questions about who would cover the costs of Nicklaus’ involvement and the broader renovations. Because Andrews is military-owned, clarification is needed on whether taxpayer money, private donations or other sources would fund the upgrades. The base referred questions to the White House, which did not provide details.
The proposed Andrews renovation joins a growing list of high-profile construction and design projects Trump has pursued since returning to office. These include the controversial demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build a privately funded $300 million ballroom, a redesigned Rose Garden patio, multiple interior renovations, and an expanded ‘Walk of Fame’ along the Colonnade. Trump has also floated plans for a monumental Paris-style arch near the Lincoln Memorial.
As questions arise about the scope, cost and oversight of the Andrews project, one thing is clear: If the plan moves forward, the “president’s golf course” could soon undergo its most dramatic transformation yet.
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