Presidential Golf & Vacation Comparison
Presidential time off has been a topic of debate for decades. This page compares golf outings and vacation days across modern U.S. presidents to provide context and data-driven insights. All data comes from verified news reports, governmental records, and independent fact-checking organizations.
Golf Days by President (First Term)
| President | Golf Days | Days in Office | Percentage |
|---|
| Donald Trump (Term 1) | 293 | 1,461 | 20.1% |
| Barack Obama (Term 1) | 98 | 1,461 | 6.7% |
| George W. Bush (Term 1) | 24 | 1,461 | 1.6% |
| Bill Clinton (Term 1) | 24 | 1,461 | 1.6% |
| Joe Biden (Full Term) | ~150 | 1,461 | ~10.3% |
Total Vacation Days (All Terms)
| President | Vacation Days | Terms Served | Days per Year |
|---|
| George W. Bush | 1,020 | 2 (8 years) | 128 |
| Ronald Reagan | 866 | 2 (8 years) | 108 |
| George H.W. Bush | 543 | 1 (4 years) | 136 |
| Donald Trump | 378 | 1 (4 years) | 95 |
| Bill Clinton | 345 | 2 (8 years) | 43 |
| Barack Obama | 328 | 2 (8 years) | 41 |
| Joe Biden | 184 | 1 (4 years) | 46 |
Key Insights
Trump's Golf Habits
- Most golf-playing president in modern history: Trump golfed 293 days in his first term, far exceeding any recent president
- Frequency: Golfed approximately once every 5 days while in office
- Cost to taxpayers: Estimated $151.5 million for first term golf trips
- Property profit: $1.75 million paid to Trump-owned properties for Secret Service accommodations
- Campaign promise: Said he would be "too busy" to golf as president
Historical Context
- George W. Bush: Stopped playing golf in 2003 out of respect for troops in Iraq, saying "I don't want some mom whose son may have recently died to see the commander-in-chief playing golf"
- Barack Obama: Played 333 rounds over 8 years (average 42 per year), frequently criticized by Trump on Twitter
- Reagan & Bush Sr.: Took more total vacation days but spread across ranch stays and family compound visits
- Working vacations: Modern presidents often work while on vacation; the distinction between "vacation" and "remote work" has become blurred
Cost Comparison
| President | Estimated 4-Year Travel Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Donald Trump | $151.5 million | Golf trips only; visited own properties 428 times |
| Barack Obama | ~$105 million | 8-year total; includes international trips |
| George W. Bush | ~$20 million | 8-year total; mostly ranch in Texas (lower cost) |
Note: Presidential travel costs vary significantly based on destination. Trips requiring Air Force One, cargo planes, and extensive security details cost far more than visits to nearby locations or personal properties with existing infrastructure.
Sources & Methodology