Golf is a sport long associated with the upper class and prestige, dating back to its origins with the Scottish and English aristocracy. Due to the equipment needed, time commitment, and the relatively limited availability of play compared with other sports, golf is rarely viewed as an egalitarian pastime. This perception changed somewhat following the emergence of Tiger Woods on the national scene in the late 1990s. Woods’ rise to prominence led to a boom for the golf industry in terms of merchandise sales, construction of new courses, and the introduction of the game to minorities and players of all socioeconomic levels. The game grew in popularity throughout the early stages of the twenty-first century until its expansion was derailed by the 2008 recession.

As with many aspects of American culture, the shifting tides of popularity and the perception of golf comes with political ramifications. The sport has been a mainstay for politicians for over a century and thus created a unique paradox for the American presidents who play the game. With all the limitations and restrictions placed upon the presidency, golf is a sport that allows a president to remain physically active and, as George W. Bush noted, ”… to be able to get outside and play golf with some of your pals is important for the president. It does give you an outlet.” Also, traversing the course with fellow players provides ample opportunities for the president to negotiate or strategize potential policies. According to journalist Ben Macintyre, golf is the “ideal presidential game.”

The other side of the paradox, of course, is the aforementioned connotation of golf being elitist. Establishing an ‘every-person’ persona is a fundamental element of political ideology. But if that politician is playing a sport that “may suffer from historical and accurate perceptions of a discriminatory environment,” it is an association that could create unwanted criticism. Still, presidents need to cling on to sports since American society has long valued those who demonstrate physical prowess as a way to stay healthy and exhibit their masculinity. In essence, golf is one of the best sports a president can play, but it also has its pitfalls.

To better understand this paradox, a thematic analysis of the press coverage of golfing presidents from William Howard Taft to Donald Trump was conducted.