Former President Donald Trump, now a Republican presidential candidate, remains "safe and unharmed" following a security incident at Trump International Golf Club, located west of Palm Beach near his Mar-a-Lago resort. Secret Service agents fired upon spotting an individual with a firearm near the golf course, where Trump was playing. The suspect had concealed himself in bushes along the course's boundary, and agents noticed a rifle barrel before taking action.

Golf has been a favored pastime for numerous U.S. Presidents. Trump himself has highlighted his love for golf, even using it as a political issue by criticizing his predecessor, Barack Obama, for his frequent golf outings. Despite the criticism, many professional golfers have praised Trump’s skills. Tom Kite and Paul Goydos have described him as a “good player,” while Fred Funk called him “probably the best sitting president ever to play golf.” NBC noted in 2017 that Trump is an accomplished golfer.

Trump is among several presidents who have been passionate about golf. Recent presidents like Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton enjoyed the sport, as did John F. Kennedy, who followed the golf-loving Dwight D. Eisenhower into office. However, Woodrow Wilson holds the record for the most golf played by a president, completing over 1,200 rounds during his eight years in office—a round nearly every two days.

Bush noted a connection between golf and presidential duties, citing how both require focus and discipline.

For the Secret Service, golf courses pose significant security challenges. Unlike more enclosed venues, golf courses are expansive and often border public roads, making them difficult to secure. The natural landscape—filled with trees, hills, and open areas—can conceal potential threats.

Despite enhanced security measures following a previous assassination attempt, a would-be attacker managed to approach within 500 yards of Trump, armed with an AK-47 equipped with a telescopic sight. The challenge in securing such a large and open area was evident, with the attacker hiding in bushes until spotted by a Secret Service.