Trouble on the Greens: Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club Scores Low in Health Inspection
Donald Trump’s Bedminster, New Jersey golf resort recently found itself in hot water, but not over the usual political drama. Instead, the Trump National Golf Club, a staple in Somerset County, scored a surprisingly low 32 out of 100 on a May health inspection. That score was reported by Forbes on Wednesday, revealing some serious concerns about food safety at the club’s kitchen and dining areas.
What Went Wrong?
The inspection uncovered a total of 18 violations, nine of which were flagged as potentially posing an “unacceptable health risk.” Ouch. The health inspector specifically pointed to failures in keeping raw meats and raw eggs properly separated from ready-to-eat foods—a basic and critical rule in food safety. Additionally, the report noted that food wasn’t adequately protected from contamination and that surfaces meant to contact food weren’t being cleaned properly.
In the inspector’s own words: “Too many critical and noncritical violations found at the time of inspection. [Person in charge] fails to demonstrate knowledge of food safety.” That’s a pretty harsh call for any establishment, let alone one hosting high-profile events.
Quick Fixes and a Second Chance
Some of the issues were addressed during the inspection on May 6, while others took a bit longer to resolve. Health inspections of this kind are typically unannounced, so the club had little time to prepare. Nevertheless, by the time Forbes published their story, the club had already undergone a reinspection. This follow-up visit boosted their rating from a “conditionally satisfactory” C to a B, reflecting improvements but still not quite the spotless record a premier golf resort might want to show.
A Club with a Storied Past—and Some High-Profile Losses
Trump National Golf Club isn’t just any golf course. It’s been a site for major tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the controversial LIV Golf events. However, the club lost the chance to host the 2022 PGA Championship, a setback that raised eyebrows in the golf community.
Trump himself owns more than a dozen golf properties around the globe, from Scotland to Florida and beyond. But the spotlight on Bedminster’s health inspection comes at a tricky time, as the Trump Organization has recently announced a deal to build a golf resort in Qatar. That project immediately sparked accusations of a conflict of interest, adding another layer of controversy to the Trump golf empire.
Why Does This Matter?
For a luxury golf club that attracts serious players and high-profile guests, maintaining rigorous health and safety standards is non-negotiable. Golfers expect pristine greens, yes—but they also want a safe and clean environment to eat and relax after a round.
A health inspection score of 32/100 sends a message that the club’s kitchen operations were falling seriously short, potentially putting diners at risk of foodborne illnesses. Issues like cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, along with unclean surfaces, are textbook violations that can lead to outbreaks of illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli.
The Bigger Picture: Trump’s Golf Brand Under Scrutiny
Trump’s golf courses have long been a part of his brand, symbolizing luxury, exclusivity, and prestige. Yet, incidents like this inspection report chip away at that image. The recent controversies around his Qatar golf deal only add fuel to the fire, with critics questioning whether the business interests tied to Trump’s properties could conflict with his political connections and personal brand.
Moreover, with multiple properties worldwide, ensuring consistent quality and safety across all locations can be a logistical challenge. But the bedrock expectation remains the same: customers deserve safe food and sanitary facilities, period.
What Happened After Forbes Reported?
Following the Forbes report, neither Trump himself nor the New Jersey club responded to requests for comment, leaving many questions unanswered. The silence only leaves room for speculation and criticism, especially given the timing—coming just as the club was trying to bounce back from its initial failing score.
That said, the upgraded B rating on reinspection shows that the club did act to correct many of the issues. However, the jump from a 32 to a B-grade, while impressive, still suggests there’s room for improvement.
Some Takeaways:
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Raw vs. Ready-to-Eat: One of the biggest issues was the failure to keep raw meats and eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. This is a fundamental rule in preventing foodborne illnesses.
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Clean Surfaces Matter: Food-contact surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination. Failing this basic hygiene requirement can lead to serious health risks.
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Staff Training: The inspector pointed out that the person in charge did not demonstrate sufficient food safety knowledge, suggesting that better staff training and management oversight are needed.
How Does This Compare to Other Clubs?
In Somerset County, the Trump National Golf Club’s 32/100 score was the lowest among all inspected food service establishments, underscoring how unusual this failure was for the area. Typically, high-end clubs maintain scores well above 80 or 90, reflecting strong adherence to safety and hygiene.
Why Golf Clubs Need to Take Food Safety Seriously
Golf clubs, especially those hosting major tournaments, often serve thousands of guests and staff. Foodborne illness outbreaks in such settings can lead to widespread sickness, negative press, and potential legal consequences.
Not to mention, the reputation hit can have long-term financial impacts. Guests might think twice about returning or recommending the club, and sponsors or event organizers may hesitate to hold tournaments there.
What’s Next for Trump National Golf Club?
While the club has made progress since the low score, ongoing vigilance will be key. Regular training, thorough cleaning, and routine internal audits can help ensure compliance and prevent future violations.
The incident also offers a reminder to other clubs and hospitality venues about the importance of food safety—no matter the prestige of the location.
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