Several US Presidents have been known for their affinity of golf, but did you know the sport doubled in participation in the United States during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's two terms?
President Eisenhower learned to play golf in the 1920s at the Fort Leavenworth Golf Course and played every chance he got during his military career. He found it to be a calming activity in the midst of studies and war times. The Fort Leavenworth Golf Course is known today as Trails West Golf Course and is open to the public in Leavenworth, KS.
A 1953 Golf Digest article quoted that Washington D.C. was “seized with golfing fever like never before in history” during Eisenhower's presidency. The family and relationship aspect drew him to the game as it provides a common ground for different generations to have fun together. He fostered many relationships on the golf course during his time in office and even brought golf to the White House by setting up a net in the basement to hit balls.
He was a member at Augusta National and loved to play all across the country. Two courses are named after Eisenhower to this day:
- Eisenhower Golf Club in Bethesda, MD
- Eisenhower Golf Course at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
Sources:
- https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/ikes-hobbies.htm
- https://www.usga.org/articles/2016/03/dwight-d--eisenhower--golf-s-ultimate-ambassador.html