Trump’s Golf Security Was Far More Intense Than Anyone Expected
For most players, a difficult round of golf means navigating water hazards, bunkers and a wayward tee shot. President Donald Trump faces a far different set of concerns when he takes to the course, with his security detail employing specialized military equipment amid ongoing threats against him.
Photos and video from Trump’s recent golf outings show U.S. Army Avenger short-range air defense systems positioned around his New Jersey property, including during Sunday’s final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament.
One image showed Trump preparing to hit a shot while an Avenger system could be seen behind concertina wire. Another photograph also appeared to show the same type of weapon system, although it was not immediately clear whether it was the identical vehicle. The White House confirmed the authenticity of the images.
Additional footage showed an Avenger positioned near an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar system, providing another indication of the extensive security measures surrounding the president during his time on the course.
The heightened precautions became particularly noticeable Sunday when NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercepted two general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace over the Bedminster area. NORAD later said the aircraft were safely escorted away from the temporary flight-restriction zone.
The military hardware has also appeared in footage previously released by the White House. In an Aug. 1 video, Trump was shown speaking with soldiers at Bedminster while an Avenger sat nearby.
Trump joked about the possibility of missile or drone threats, prompting a colonel to assure him that the situation was under control while gesturing toward the Humvee-mounted system.
The Avenger is equipped with Stinger missiles designed to provide rapid protection against aerial threats. The platform has also been modified to address the growing threat posed by drones, an increasingly significant concern for security officials worldwide.
Trump’s security concerns are not theoretical. He has survived multiple assassination attempts and has faced threats specifically connected to his golf activities.
In September 2024, an armed man was discovered hiding near the perimeter of Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, while Trump was playing. A Secret Service agent spotted what appeared to be a rifle pointed toward him and opened fire. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, survived and was later taken into custody.
Trump was also targeted during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024. Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired toward Trump before being killed by law enforcement.
Iran has also made threats against Trump at various points over the years. Following the 2020 U.S. strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, an image portraying Trump as a potential target of retaliation at a golf course was posted by an account associated with Iran’s supreme leader.
The threat environment has remained a major concern for U.S. officials, particularly as tensions with Iran have escalated.
The Avenger systems are not the only specialized equipment used to protect Trump while he plays golf. During a previous outing at his Scottish course, Trump was accompanied by an armored Polaris Ranger utility vehicle designed to provide ballistic protection.
For Trump, a relaxing day on the links can therefore involve considerably more than clubs and golf carts. Behind the scenes, military and Secret Service personnel may be preparing for threats that most golfers never have to consider — including attacks from the air.
