Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump played a round of golf at his Turnberry resort over the weekend, accompanied by a noticeable security presence that included what observers say was a heavily armored off-road vehicle.
While Trump rode in a standard golf cart, a blacked-out Polaris Ranger XP appeared to follow him closely around the course, alongside his extensive security detail. The vehicle, nicknamed “Golf Force One” by onlookers, drew attention for its size and apparent modifications.
According to The Telegraph, the vehicle likely featured advanced armor. Gary Relf, director of Armoured Car Services, told the outlet that certain features made the upgrades clear.
“Just looking at the front windscreen, that looks armored,” Relf said. “From those photos, that is 100% armored. The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray.” He also pointed to dark-tinted windows as further evidence of transparent armor enhancements.
The U.S. Secret Service declined to confirm whether the vehicle was part of its protective assets, stating only that the agency does not comment on “specific means and methods” used to protect the president.
The General Services Administration says a Polaris XP 1000 Ranger UTV can be equipped with an add-on armor kit from Chicago-based Scaletta Armor, offering protection that can be adjusted based on mission needs. The cost of the kit is approximately $190,000.
Photographs taken during Trump’s visit showed Specialist Rifle Officers stationed throughout the property as Trump played with his son, Eric Trump Jr., and others.
The enhanced security comes less than a year after two separate assassination attempts. In July 2024, Trump survived a shooting during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Two months later, another gunman fired at Trump while he was playing golf at his club in Florida.
Trump capped off his five-day visit to the United Kingdom on Tuesday by opening a new golf course in Scotland.
