6 Things to Know About Trump National Golf Club
With his Florida golf club, Mar-a-Lago, closed for the summer (too hot), President Trump is spending more time in our backyard at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. This high-end club nested in lush horse country is one of 17 Trump-branded private courses, but it’s known to be one of his favorites, and he recently revamped his own villa there. Read on for six interesting facts about these luxury links:
1. The property was once owned by John DeLorean
The late automaker John DeLorean (remember the car in Back to the Future?) bought the property in 1981, but the car company went bankrupt, and the land sold at auction in 2000. Trump bought it for about 35 million in 2002 and created two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio II. The clubhouse was DeLorean’s mansion, and the golf shop was his garage.
2. It’s got star power
Celebrity members are said to be former Yankees manager Joe Torre, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former President Bill Clinton and Gov. Christie’s brother Todd Christie, a Wall Street exec. It’s no wonder the club attracts some high-profile people—the initiation fee is reportedly about $350,000.
3. Members can stay overnight
There are five cottages and 11 one-room suites that members can rent, located around the 25-meter heated pool. President Trump has a cottage, and in 2015, Ivanka and Jared Kusner won an application to expand their cottage by 2,200 square feet.
4. Ivanka and Jared got married there
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner tied the knot at the club in 2009, at a lavish wedding for 500 guests. Kushner grew up in Livingston, about 25 miles away from Bedminster.
5. Trump has conducted official business at the club
Trump prepped for the debates there and interviewed potential Cabinet members there, including now-Education Secretary Betsy Devos.
6. The club recently hosted the U.S. Women’s Open
The USGA officially awarded Trump National Golf Club the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open back in 2012, and the prestigious championship was just held in July. Trump attended (there was heightened security) and checked out the action in an elevated, enclosed viewing area that overlooked the course.