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Trump National Bedminster (Old)
Architect: Tom Fazio / Tom Fazio II Year: 2004 900 Lamington Rd, Bedminster Township, NJ 07921 Phone: (908) 470-4400 Course Access: Private https://www.trumpnationalbedminster.com/ |
Trump Bedminster (OLD)
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster, specifically the OLD Course, has a history that intertwines with both golfing prestige and notable events involving Donald Trump. Here's a detailed report based on available information up to September 2024:
Origin and Development:
The property that now houses Trump National Golf Club Bedminster was initially known as Lamington Farm, which included the estate of John Z. DeLorean, famous for the DeLorean car. Donald Trump acquired this 520-acre property in 2002 for less than $35 million. The land had been the site of a floundering golf course project, which Trump transformed into a private club with the help of golf course architect Tom Fazio. The OLD Course, designed by Fazio, opened in 2004, marking the beginning of what would become a significant golfing destination.
Design and Features:
The OLD Course at Bedminster was designed to offer a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. It spans across varied terrain with numerous water features, including ponds and lakes, which play into several holes, adding strategic depth to the gameplay. The course's signature hole, the 6th, is particularly noted for its aesthetic appeal but also for its complexity, which can challenge even seasoned golfers.
Golfing Prestige:
The course has been recognized in various golf rankings, including being listed among Golf Magazine's Top 100. However, opinions on its ranking vary, with some golf enthusiasts and critics arguing over its placement due to its amenities and conditioning rather than purely its design.
Events and Controversies:
Trump National Bedminster has not only been a venue for golf but also for significant personal and political events involving Donald Trump. It hosted the wedding of Ivanka Trump in 2009, and later, events like the LIV Golf Invitational Series in 2022. The club also faced controversy when the PGA of America decided to strip it of hosting the 2022 PGA Championship, citing concerns over the impact on the PGA's brand due to Trump's political activities.
Presidential Connection:
After Trump's election as President, Bedminster became one of his official residences, used for "working vacations." This period saw the club in the news for various reasons, including discussions on tax benefits due to its classification as farmland, which significantly reduced property taxes.
Recent Activities:
Post-presidency, Trump has continued to use Bedminster for both personal and political engagements. Notably, after an assassination attempt in July 2024, Trump was reported at Bedminster, engaging in golf, which underscores the property's role beyond just a golf course but as a personal retreat.
Community and Economic Impact:
The presence of Trump National Bedminster has had a notable impact on the local economy, with increased property values and tourism. However, it's also been a point of contention regarding security costs and environmental considerations, given its agricultural tax status.
Membership and Amenities:
The club offers exclusive membership, with initiation fees reported to be significantly high, reflecting its status as a luxury destination. Beyond golf, it provides a full range of amenities including dining, social events, and practice facilities, aiming to cater to a lifestyle rather than just a sport.
This detailed history encapsulates Trump National Bedminster OLD Course's evolution from a struggling project to a symbol of luxury, golfing excellence, and political significance, reflecting both its owner's personal journey and its standing in the golfing world.
Origin and Development:
The property that now houses Trump National Golf Club Bedminster was initially known as Lamington Farm, which included the estate of John Z. DeLorean, famous for the DeLorean car. Donald Trump acquired this 520-acre property in 2002 for less than $35 million. The land had been the site of a floundering golf course project, which Trump transformed into a private club with the help of golf course architect Tom Fazio. The OLD Course, designed by Fazio, opened in 2004, marking the beginning of what would become a significant golfing destination.
Design and Features:
The OLD Course at Bedminster was designed to offer a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. It spans across varied terrain with numerous water features, including ponds and lakes, which play into several holes, adding strategic depth to the gameplay. The course's signature hole, the 6th, is particularly noted for its aesthetic appeal but also for its complexity, which can challenge even seasoned golfers.
Golfing Prestige:
The course has been recognized in various golf rankings, including being listed among Golf Magazine's Top 100. However, opinions on its ranking vary, with some golf enthusiasts and critics arguing over its placement due to its amenities and conditioning rather than purely its design.
Events and Controversies:
Trump National Bedminster has not only been a venue for golf but also for significant personal and political events involving Donald Trump. It hosted the wedding of Ivanka Trump in 2009, and later, events like the LIV Golf Invitational Series in 2022. The club also faced controversy when the PGA of America decided to strip it of hosting the 2022 PGA Championship, citing concerns over the impact on the PGA's brand due to Trump's political activities.
Presidential Connection:
After Trump's election as President, Bedminster became one of his official residences, used for "working vacations." This period saw the club in the news for various reasons, including discussions on tax benefits due to its classification as farmland, which significantly reduced property taxes.
Recent Activities:
Post-presidency, Trump has continued to use Bedminster for both personal and political engagements. Notably, after an assassination attempt in July 2024, Trump was reported at Bedminster, engaging in golf, which underscores the property's role beyond just a golf course but as a personal retreat.
Community and Economic Impact:
The presence of Trump National Bedminster has had a notable impact on the local economy, with increased property values and tourism. However, it's also been a point of contention regarding security costs and environmental considerations, given its agricultural tax status.
Membership and Amenities:
The club offers exclusive membership, with initiation fees reported to be significantly high, reflecting its status as a luxury destination. Beyond golf, it provides a full range of amenities including dining, social events, and practice facilities, aiming to cater to a lifestyle rather than just a sport.
This detailed history encapsulates Trump National Bedminster OLD Course's evolution from a struggling project to a symbol of luxury, golfing excellence, and political significance, reflecting both its owner's personal journey and its standing in the golfing world.