Trump Taps Jack Nicklaus to Help Revamp Golf Courses at Joint Base Andrews

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that golf legend and renowned course designer Jack Nicklaus will help oversee the restoration of two aging golf courses at Joint Base Andrews, the military installation located just outside Washington, D.C. The president met with Nicklaus at the base for an aerial review of the facilities, which he described as being “in very bad shape.” Nicklaus, whose firm Nicklaus Design is globally recognized for creating and renovating championship-level courses, is expected to play a central role in planning improvements for both the East and South courses as well as other recreational amenities on site.

Before departing for Andrews, Trump told reporters that the updates could be completed for “very little money,” though he did not specify funding sources or project timelines. The Department of Defense referred inquiries to the White House, which did not provide additional details. Representatives for The Courses at Andrews and Nicklaus Design also did not immediately comment. According to the base’s official website, the two 18-hole championship courses and driving range are available to military personnel, Defense Department civilians, and their families.

Trump, an avid golfer who owns 18 golf courses worldwide, has made several restoration and construction decisions since the start of his second term. Recent projects include renovating the Lincoln Bedroom bathroom, redesigning the Rose Garden, and updating the Oval Office’s décor. One of his most ambitious initiatives came in October, when he ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing to construct a 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The $300 million project—criticized for bypassing a formal review—will be funded by private donations from corporations and wealthy individuals, according to the president.

The planned upgrades at Joint Base Andrews add to Trump’s growing list of high-profile construction efforts, blending his long-standing interest in golf with federal facility improvements as his administration continues reshaping key government properties.