Golf Skills of South Korean and U.S. Presidents [Presidents and Golf]

Park Chunghee Took Lessons from Pro Golfer Han Jangsang
16 Out of 19 U.S. Presidents Have Played Golf
Park Geunhye, Carter, and Truman Did Not Play Golf

Many former presidents of South Korea and the United States have enjoyed playing golf. Former President Park Chunghee did not play golf during his military service, but after establishing the Five-Year Economic Development Plan and traveling abroad in the mid-1960s, he recognized the importance of golf. He even invited Han Jangsang, a first-generation professional golfer, to the Blue House for private lessons. At that time, his handicap was 18. In 1966, he converted a training ground for cadets at the Korea Military Academy into a golf course exclusively for the academy, and personally took the first ceremonial shot at the opening ceremony.

Former President Roh Taewoo had a handicap of 12 and is considered the most active promoter of golf among all South Korean presidents. During his term, the authority to approve the establishment of golf courses was transferred from the central government to provincial governors. The number of golf courses, which stood at 30 during the Chun Doohwan administration, increased to 120 under Roh Taewoo. Former President Chun Doohwan was known as a long hitter, with his driver shots reaching 230 meters. He also coined the term "presidential golf" with his unique style of leaving both the previous and next holes empty while playing a round.

Former President Roh Moo-hyun is swinging a driver at Cheongnamdae. Photo by Roh Moo-hyun Archives Center

Former President Roh Moohyun also enjoyed golf. He once remarked, "Golf is a truly interesting sport." On the day before Cheongnamdae was opened to the public in April 2003, he played a round of golf at Cheongnamdae Golf Course with former United Liberal Democrats leader Kim Jongpil and former Democratic Party leader Chung Daecheol, spending about two hours on the course. His score was reportedly around 100 strokes.

In contrast, former Presidents Kim Youngsam and Park Geunhye kept their distance from golf. After taking office, Kim Youngsam declared, "I will not play golf during my term," and issued a "golf ban" for public officials. Park Geunhye also repeatedly expressed a negative view of golf during her presidency.

In the United States, 16 out of 19 former presidents played golf. The only presidents who did not take up the club were Jimmy Carter, Harry Truman, and Herbert Hoover. The first president to play golf in earnest was William Howard Taft, who described himself as a "golf addict" and once said, "There is nothing more democratic than golf."

Former President Woodrow Wilson was also a golf enthusiast, playing more than 1,000 rounds during his eight years in office. He continued to play even in the snow, using black golf balls. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt was such a passionate golfer that he became a club champion during his college years. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower was a member of Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is held, and even installed a putting green at the White House.

Former President Richard Nixon began playing golf while serving as vice president and often interacted with Arnold Palmer. Former President Gerald Ford was skilled enough to shoot scores in the 80s, was a member of the United States Golf Association, and served as honorary chairman of the first Presidents Cup in 1994. Former President George H. W. Bush had a handicap of 11 and was famous for his fast play, once finishing 18 holes in just 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is known for playing golf while ignoring the rules. Photo by Golfweek

Former President Bill Clinton was left-handed but played golf right-handed. He had long tee shots, but was known for a playing style that did not strictly adhere to the rules, often engaging in "Alkkagi" (hitting other players' balls intentionally). Former President George W. Bush once shot a 77 at Augusta National Golf Club, but refrained from playing golf after the 9·11 terrorist attacks. Former President Barack Obama played left-handed and was criticized for playing golf too frequently, at one point going out for a round every 9.5 days on average.