New armored vehicles designed to enhance presidential security have made their debut, specifically tailored for golf outings. One such vehicle, informally dubbed “Golf Force One,” became apparent over the weekend at the Trump Golf Course in Turnberry, Scotland, during a round of golf between former President Donald Trump and his son, Eric.
The White House acknowledged that “Golf Force One” is part of a special fleet of presidential vehicles but withheld additional specifications. This comes approximately ten months after a foiled assassination attempt on Trump while he was golfing in Florida.
The General Services Administration noted that this vehicle is essentially a Polaris UTV. It features an “add-on armor kit” provided by Scaletta Armor, which enhances its capabilities for varying levels of protection. Installing this kit is estimated at around $190,000.
During his time in Scotland for a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump was seen using a standard golf cart, flanked by a convoy of armored vehicles and additional carts carrying Secret Service agents. Even though Trump enjoys driving his own cart, the presence of UTVs indicates readiness for emergencies, to provide extra protection in diverse environments.
Interestingly, on September 15, 2024, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, I happened to notice someone lurking in the underbrush along the sixth hole. It’s unsettling, to say the least.
While in Scotland, Trump displayed his golfing prowess at Turnberry Resort. He referenced the legendary golfer Gary Player, further marking his visit with a nod to the sport.
A Justice Department statement revealed that an agent had observed a rifle aimed directly at Trump during a previous incident, leading to a serious exchange of gunfire with a suspect named Ryan Wesley Rous. This occurred during a shooting at a rally in Pennsylvania last July, where a bullet tragically claimed the life of a bystander.
There have also been unsettling moments before; in 2020, Iran released a digitally altered video depicting a drone targeting Trump on a golf course, which was part of a broader statement about retaliation against the killing of General Qassem Soleimani.
Ultimately, “Golf Force One” adds to the president’s fleet of fortified vehicles. With the ability to withstand high-caliber rounds, it’s essentially a mobile fortress, equipped with reinforced glass walls and an arsenal of defensive tools, ready for various threats.
