Trump National Golf Course: Can Anyone Play or Is It Members Only?

Fancy manicured greens, jaw-dropping ocean views, and rumors about A-lister sightings. That’s just some of what pops into people’s heads when they hear "Trump National Golf Course." Now, the name itself draws plenty of curiosity, but the burning question isn’t about who owns the place. Most folks wonder: can you actually play there, or is it some secretive, members-only club locked away from the world? Truth is, the answer depends on which Trump National you’re talking about, and what kind of golfer (or guest) you are. If you’re picturing a fortress, the reality is a bit more nuanced—and there are a few clever ways to find yourself teeing off on those famous fairways.

Understanding Trump National Golf Courses: Locations and Status

Trump National isn’t a single course—it’s a whole family of clubs in the U.S. and around the world. The best-known ones are Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, Bedminster in New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Westchester in New York. Each site has its own personality and rules, but the big thing to remember is they’re not all run the same way. Some are strictly private, others mix public tee times or offer options for guests, and a few have elements open to visitors like restaurants or pro shops.

Let’s start with the obvious: Bedminster, Washington D.C., and Westchester are classic private clubs. This means you generally can’t call up and book a round like you would at a municipal or public course. For these, membership—or a generous invitation from a member—is usually your only real ticket in. Members pay hefty initiation fees (think five to six figures) and annual dues, but they get access not just to golf but to dining, events, and swanky facilities.

But at Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles, things get a bit more interesting. The Los Angeles site sits on Pacific bluffs with stunning ocean views, built on the old Ocean Trails course in Rancho Palos Verdes. Unlike the other marquee Trump clubs, this one is semi-private. Translation: you don’t need a membership to reserve a tee time, at least not all the time. Anyone—locals, tourists, or ambitious bucket-listers—can generally book a round during available public tee slots. However, these slots can go quickly, especially in peak season or if there’s a corporate event on deck. Expect the price tag to be steep compared to your local public course, but for a shot at a Top 100-caliber layout, many consider it worth it.

Internationally, some Trump-branded courses, like Doonbeg in Ireland or Turnberry in Scotland, combine resort-style public golf with optional membership tiers. Here, staying at the resort might even snag you a preferred tee time, and travelers come from all over to walk these storied links. If you’re aiming for a round at a Trump course outside the U.S., double-check the website or call the pro shop—policies change year by year, especially if there’s an event or renovation going on.

Bottom line: Don’t lump all "Trump National Golf Courses" into one category. Every site has its quirks—some are locked tight, but others leave the door open wider than you’d suspect. Your odds are highest at Los Angeles and the international resorts, but there’s always a wildcard option if you know someone on the inside.

Memberships and Guest Access: How Ordinary Golfers Can Play

So, you want to have lunch with your buddies and tell them your next round is at Trump National Bedminster? Not so fast. At nearly all private Trump courses, the usual path for regular folks is as a guest of a member. If you’re friends with a member or can get introduced, you might score a golden invite. That means you’ll abide by their rules—probably wear a collared shirt, follow pace-of-play etiquette, and maybe share a cocktail with your host after. Membership comes with lots of rules and codes of behavior, and guest access is closely controlled. Sometimes business networking or charity outings open the doors to non-members, especially if a corporate package is booked or the club is hosting a big event.

But let’s say you don’t know anyone with a membership hanging in their locker. Some clubs host charity tournaments or fundraisers, and buying a spot (usually a premium price) gives you legit access to play. It’s not an "every Saturday" deal, but if you’re after the experience, keep an eye on club calendars, local golf charities, or networking groups—most clubs post these invites online well ahead of time.

If you’re set on Trump National Los Angeles, you’re in luck. Simply go online, pick a date, and if you see "public play available," you’re good to book. Forewarning: the prime weekend and morning spots sell out months in advance, and rates climb with demand. Dress well, stay polite to the staff, and remember cell phones and jeans probably won’t fly in the clubhouse. Expect world-class conditions, and maybe even a few peacocks—yes, actual peacocks strut around the course.

Now, if you’re the "go big or go home" type, joining a Trump club as a member does open all the doors. You’ll pay initiation and have annual fees, but access gets you a line-up of benefits: unlimited rounds, guest privileges, events, and access to sister clubs worldwide. Don’t expect to just do this online or in five minutes. The process usually involves a formal application, references (yes, really), maybe a meeting or two, and enough patience to wait a few weeks for approval. Some clubs keep their fees and selection process private, but reports from golf insiders peg initiation at $100,000 or even higher for the more coveted clubs. If you can swing it, you’ll find yourself rubbing elbows with serious golfers, business execs, and the occasional celebrity at the bar.

Long story short: Membership is golden, guests must know someone or get creative with events, and charity outings are the dark horse for one-off rounds. LA is the only Trump National where the public can consistently play with a simple online booking, but even there, preparation and polite behavior are everything.

What to Expect: Facilities, Course Experience, and Amenities

So, what exactly awaits you beyond the gate once you’ve wrangled a tee time or invite? If your only experience with fancy golf is the local country club, Trump National Golf Courses raise the bar—their reputation isn’t just hype. Members often brag about meticulous maintenance, lightning-fast greens, and layouts that test every shot you’ve got. Some courses, like Bedminster, even host pro-level USGA events. LA’s course climbs up and down scenic bluffs with risk-reward holes and views straight out of a postcard, while Westchester dazzles with parkland trees and narrow fairways that make you think twice about pulling driver.

Expect the clubhouses to feel more like luxury hotels: marble floors, leather couches, crisp white tablecloths, and high-end restaurants. Locker rooms could double as spas. Some courses stock men’s and women’s locker rooms with every amenity you can imagine—think eucalyptus-infused towels, steam rooms, and shoe shine services. Even if you’re just a guest or playing one round, you’ll be treated to service that makes you feel like you belong (or, at minimum, want to belong).

Practice facilities here are nothing short of pro-level. Driving ranges with unlimited balls, multiple chipping greens, and putting greens that match the speed and firmness of the course. Onsite golf shops stock everything from fashion brands to exclusive club-branded gear you won’t find anywhere else. Staff encourage you to get fitted for clubs, take a lesson from a seasoned pro, or just hit a few balls to warm up. If you’re only in for a special round, don’t be surprised if you’re given complimentary tees, chilled towels, and bottles of water as part of the package.

Dining is another highlight. Forget about basic hot dogs at the turn. Menus usually lean upscale, with expertly prepared steaks, sushi, seafood towers, and extensive wine lists. Even after your round, members often linger for dessert or a drink, catching up with friends or taking in the view from the terrace. If you’re attending as part of a group or event, banquet spaces are impressive, whether it’s for a corporate meeting, a wedding, or a charity gala.

But it’s not all stiff and stuffy—the staff are trained to be friendly and helpful, not intimidating. The clubs want every player, whether a guest or member, to leave with a killer first impression. It’s not unusual to see families out enjoying junior golf programs or couples having brunch where the view takes center stage. And yes, at Los Angeles and Bedminster, there’s a chance you’ll spot a celebrity sneaking in a discreet round or even catch a glimpse of the former president himself. Just act cool, and keep your phone tucked away—the culture rewards discretion.

Tips for Booking, Playing, and Making the Most of Your Round

If all this has you fired up to go, there are ways to up your odds and get the most out of the experience. First, always check the club’s website for the current play policy. Things change—tournaments, renovations, and outside events can shut down access for weeks at a time. If public reservations are open, book early. Trump National LA sometimes releases tee times months in advance, and the best days sell out fast.

When booking, pay close attention to cancellation and dress code policies. Some clubs have strict cutoff times for cancellations (with steep penalties for no-shows), and arriving in the wrong attire can get you turned away. Most request proper golf attire: collared shirts, slacks or shorts, and soft-spike shoes. Hats go forward; phones stay on silent. If you’re coming with a group, coordinating tee times and caddies in advance is a good idea. Some clubs require caddies during busy times, adding to the classic private club feel.

If you’re invited as a guest, ask your member friend for the lay of the land. Find out where to park, proper tipping etiquette for caddies and staff, and whether guests can use the practice area or dining facilities. At charity fundraisers or corporate events, pay attention to itinerary emails—they’ll lay out everything, from registration to award dinners, and help you avoid rookie mistakes.

For public players at Trump National LA, get there early. Parking can fill up, and giving yourself extra time to check-in means you’ll have time to relax and maybe hit up the practice facilities. Staff are friendly, but it never hurts to introduce yourself and ask about the course conditions for the day. The pros can give you insider tips, like which holes have the toughest pin positions or which cart paths to avoid when it gets windy.

Don’t forget to pace yourself on the course. Premier clubs keep a close watch on slow play, and marshals might give you a friendly nudge if your group falls behind. Enjoy the moment, but don’t let the scenery distract you so much that you’re holding up a line of foursomes behind you. And if luck is on your side and you end up sharing the tee with a local legend or club regular, strike up a chat—stories flow as easily as birdie putts when the company is good.

Above all, respect the space. These clubs pride themselves on their course conditions, clubhouse experience, and the privacy of their players. Leave the bunkers raked, divots filled, and treat staff with the kind of respect that makes them want to see you again.

For one last pointer: always double-check reviews, event listings, and even club social media pages before your visit. You’ll find last-minute updates, member-only event warnings, and sometimes hidden public clinics or coaching events that could give you another entry point. And if you want a piece of the experience off the course, club restaurants sometimes open for brunch or special dinners—just check if you need a reservation or dress up a little more than usual.