Latest news with #PolarisRangerXP
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- USA Today
A look at 'Golf Force One': the black vehicle following Trump on the golf course
Almost a year after a second assassination attempt against Donald Trump at his West Palm Beach golf resort, the president's security team unveiled what appeared to be a heavily armored golf cart in Scotland over the weekend. The president, a frequent visitor to his golf resorts, was seen playing at the Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland, over the weekend. During his latest round, a large all-black vehicle followed his group through the game. Nicknamed by the British media as 'Golf Force One,' the cart is believed to be part of Trump's Secret Service detail, with several security experts telling The Telegraph that the vehicle has many telltale signs indicating it's heavily armored. More: Viral video showing Trump in Scotland leads to golf cheating accusations 'Just looking at the front windscreen, that looks armored,' Gary Relf, director of Armoured Car Services, told the outlet. 'The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray.' According to the same experts, the vehicle appeared to share many features with the president's official limousine, commonly referred to as 'The Beast,' suggesting it could be a modified Polaris Ranger XP. Wearing a white baseball cap with "USA" embroidered in dark colors on the front and an American flag on the side, Trump over the weekend drove a white golf cart while a convoy of Secret Service agents followed in a black vehicle. Trump's golf round in Scotland comes as he is scheduled to visit the country until July 29 – and months before a formal state visit to the United Kingdom set for TODAY has reached out to the White House for comment on the vehicle. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
NDTV
a day ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
What Is Golf Force One, Donald Trump's New Armoured Buggy
A heavily armoured black buggy was spotted trailing and keeping a close watch on US President Donald Trump during a weekend round of golf at his resort in Scotland. The vehicle, a stark contrast to Trump's usual white golf cart, has fuelled speculation about a new layer of protection following past threats to his life. The vehicle, which resembles a modified Polaris Ranger XP, moved silently but visibly close to the US President as he played, its presence hardly blending in with the manicured greens. While the US Secret Service reportedly declined to confirm whether the cart forms part of Trump's security detail, security experts have little doubt about its purpose. What Is Golf Force One? Nicknamed informally ' Golf Force One ', the armoured buggy appears to be a bespoke creation tailored for defensive mobility on the golf course. Its features, including a darkened windscreen, reinforced side panels and thick rear casing, suggest it has been specially fortified to withstand ballistic threats. "Just looking at the front windscreen, that looks armoured," Gary Relf, director of Armoured Car Services, was quoted as telling The Telegraph. Relf added that such modifications are often subtle yet significant. "From those photos, that is 100% armoured," he said. "The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray." The buggy's tinted windows may indicate transparent armour, according to Relf. He also pointed out that the overall design appears to prioritise defence, offering strong protection while remaining lightweight enough to preserve the integrity of the golf course surface. Heightened Security After Attempted Attacks According to The Telegraph, the secret service neither confirmed nor denied whether the cart was armoured or connected to Donald Trump 's security arrangements. The agency does not disclose the tools or techniques used to protect the president. In September 2024, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. A man named Ryan Routh aimed a Soviet-style SKS rifle at the US President. Agents conducting a sweep spotted Routh hidden about 400 yards away and fired at him. He dropped the weapon and fled in an SUV, only to be arrested during a traffic stop less than an hour later. It was the second assassination attempt on Trump in 2024. The first took place in July at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman opened fire, killing one person and wounding Trump in the ear.
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
‘Golf Force One': The Armoured Buggy That Stole The Show During Donald Trump's Scotland Visit
Last Updated: While Donald Trump is usually driven in the presidential limo known as 'The Beast', the buggy at Turnberry offered a scaled-down version built for the golf course A heavily fortified black buggy stole the spotlight as US President Donald Trump played golf over the weekend at his Turnberry resort in South Ayrshire, Scotland. Nicknamed 'Golf Force One" by media outlets, the vehicle moved closely behind Trump's white golf cart through the course, drawing attention for its sheer bulk, tinted windows and military-grade silhouette. The vehicle's deployment came nearly 10 months after Trump survived two assassination attempts and amid a four-day UK visit marked by intense protests, tight security and a bomb scare. A Buggy Like No Other The vehicle trailing Trump was identified by experts as a modified Polaris Ranger XP, a lightweight off-road vehicle commonly used in the UK by rural police, mountain rescue and rescue teams. However, the version seen at Turnberry appeared to be heavily customised. According to reports, the buggy was likely meant to serve as a rapid evacuation option should a threat arise on the open course. Despite its reinforced structure, it was designed to remain light enough to avoid damaging the greens. Security analysts cited in The Telegraph pointed out that the black band across the front windscreen, along with reinforced side and rear panels, suggested the buggy had been armoured extensively. One of the experts said the modifications would typically include replacing internal components like the floor and roof with hidden armour plating, while maintaining the vehicle's outward appearance. The heavily tinted windows were also interpreted as signs of thick, bullet-resistant transparent armour, the darker the tint, the more protection likely built into the glass. No Confirmation From Secret Service The United States Secret Service refused to confirm whether the armoured buggy was officially part of its protective operations. Responding to queries from The Telegraph, the agency said it uses a range of tools and methods to safeguard protectees but does not disclose specifics for security reasons. Why Was It Deployed? The appearance of the armoured vehicle follows two assassination attempts on Donald Trump in 2024, both during public engagements. In July 2024, during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a rooftop sniper, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire with an AR-style rifle. One bullet grazed Trump's ear, while another killed former firefighter Corey Comperatore and seriously injured another attendee. The shooter was taken down by a counter-sniper team. Just two months later, in September, a man identified as 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh was spotted with an SKS-style rifle at Trump's West Palm Beach golf club. Routh was allegedly 300-500 yards away from Trump when the Secret Service agent spotted his rifle in the tree line, according to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. Agents fired at him before he fled in a vehicle and was later apprehended about 40 miles from the course. He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges. Lockdown At Turnberry Security at Turnberry during Trump's visit was among the most intense seen in recent years. The Telegraph reported that army trucks, road checkpoints and snipers were deployed across the area. According to The Independent, 1,500 officers, roughly a third of Police Scotland's active force, were pulled from their regular duties for the operation. Protests And A Bomb Threat The trip was also marred by protests and a security scare. Demonstrators gathered in Edinburgh and other cities to voice opposition to Trump's views on climate change and the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, a Glasgow-bound flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger claimed he had a bomb and wanted to 'send a message" to the president. Drawing Parallels With 'The Beast' While Trump is usually driven in the presidential limousine known as 'The Beast" — a $1.5 million Cadillac fortified against bullets, blasts and chemical attacks — the Turnberry buggy seems to serve a similar function scaled down for outdoor mobility. Experts told The Telegraph that such vehicles are tailored to specific threat levels. Depending on the nature of risk, from blunt force weapons to high-calibre sniper rifles, vehicles are customised with corresponding grades of armour and materials like laminated glass or plexiglass. tags : donald trump scotland The Beast view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 28, 2025, 11:27 IST News world 'Golf Force One': The Armoured Buggy That Stole The Show During Donald Trump's Scotland Visit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
What is 'Golf Force One', the armoured buggy spotted with Trump in Scotland?
US President Donald Trump's visit to Scotland's Turnberry during the weekend turned heads for more than one reason. As Trump enjoyed a game of golf in South Ayrshire, a heavily armoured black golf cart was spotted tailing him throughout the social media users were quick to spot the new addition to Trump's security detail, dubbing it the "Golf Force One". It sparked intrigue as well as comparisons to "The Beast", the bulletproof and blast-resistant limousine used to transport US presidents. advertisementThe golf cart, a reinforced Polaris Ranger XP, was likely deployed to serve as a getaway vehicle for the President in case of an attack. Already, Trump's visit to Scotland has drawn protests over his views on climate change and the Gaza war and a bomb threat. Moreover, alleged assassination attempts on Trump last year saw the US Secret Service take no as Trump teed off at the Turnberry golf course on Saturday, what stole the show was the jet-black reinforced golf cart - standing out amid a posse of army trucks and IS GOLF FORCE ONE?Experts said the distinctive black band around the windscreen of the vehicle indicated that it was 100% armoured, The Telegraph reported."The windscreen is a giveaway, as are the side panels, doors and the large panel at the rear above the load tray," said Gary Relf, the director of Armoured Car experts emphasised that the vehicle was for defensive, and not offensive purposes. Relf said the tinted windows indicated the addition of robust transparent despite the heavy armoury, the buggy is light enough to not damage the golf the Polaris Ranger XP costs around 20,000 (Rs 24 lakh). However, the heavily-modified version as seen alongside Trump will have cost far vehicles are widely used in the UK by rural police teams. The company also supplies military vehicles to US law security has been ramped up after he survived a pair of assassination attempts last September 15 last year, a man was spotted with a rifle at Trump's West Palm Beach in Florida. Two months ago, Trump survived another attempt on his life during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.- Ends
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Golf Force One' vs. ‘The Beast', how this armoured golf cart tailing Trump compares to his $1.5 million Presidential limo
A heavily armored black golf cart, nicknamed 'Golf Force One', was spotted over the weekend following Donald Trump during a game at the Trump Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The reinforced cart followed Trump at close range, as Trump chose to cruise the course in a regular white golf cart. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Management MBA Design Thinking MCA Finance Operations Management Data Science others Data Analytics Degree Digital Marketing Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Product Management Data Science Leadership Others Project Management Public Policy Technology healthcare CXO Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details Photos and videos of the jet-black vehicle, moving amid army trucks and security personnel, quickly drew attention online. The buggy's bulk, darkened windows, and militarised design sparked comparisons to Trump's presidential limousine, 'The Beast.' Also Read: WWII vet who married at 100 in Normandy, plans Bar Mitzvah at 103 at the Pentagon; still chasing dreams 81 years after D-Day The heightened security presence is not without cause. In September 2024, a man armed with an SKS-style rifle was spotted attempting to approach Trump during a golf match in Florida. Two months prior, a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a rooftop during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, grazing Trump's ear and killing a supporter. Live Events Since then, the US Secret Service has visibly increased its protective measures around Trump. Snipers were seen stationed on rooftops at Turnberry during this recent Scotland trip, and the presence of Golf Force One adds a new layer of mobile defense. What is 'Golf Force One'? According to experts cited by The Telegraph, the buggy appears to be a modified Polaris Ranger XP, a vehicle typically used by UK rural police and sometimes by US law enforcement. Though it resembles a regular golf cart in size, the vehicle is reportedly equipped with armor plating and reinforced windows. Security specialist Gary Relf told the Telegraph that key indicators of armoring include a tinted, banded windscreen, thick side panels, and an enclosed rear section. 'From those photos, that is 100% armored,' adding that its transparent armor likely makes the windows appear heavily tinted. Despite its added protection, the vehicle is believed to be light enough to avoid damaging the golf course turf, a consideration that makes it suitable for moving discreetly across fairways without drawing mechanical or visual attention. The vehicle likely serves a defensive function, possibly as a mobile shield or rapid escape vehicle in case of sudden threats. Using such a cart can also allow Trump's security to remain nearby during a relatively exposed activity like golfing, where conventional armored vehicles can't follow. How 'Golf Force One' compares to 'The Beast' While Golf Force One is built for mobility and close-range protection in outdoor environments, The Beast, the presidential limousine officially known as Cadillac One, is a fully fortified mobile command center. The Beast weighs 8–10 tonnes and features: Eight-inch-thick armor plating Bulletproof, sealed doors with no keyholes An independent oxygen supply Blood bags matching the president's blood type Run-flat tires and an armored fuel tank Encrypted communication systems for secure command during emergencies Tear gas dispensers and electrified door handles for defense By contrast, Golf Force One is a smaller, faster, and more flexible machine, designed for open, less secure terrain like golf courses. Its primary function appears to be defensive mobility rather than heavy protection and communication infrastructure. It allows agents to stay within close range of Trump during casual outdoor activities without compromising safety.
