NORAD’s F-16 pilots probably have Bedminster’s coordinates memorized by now.
Two general aviation planes wandered into restricted airspace above Trump National Golf Club on Sunday while Trump watched the final round of LIV Golf New York. F-16s scrambled to meet them. “NORAD F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, NJ,” the command posted, adding that both planes were “safely escorted out of the area.”
NORAD F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft today that violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster, NJ.
All aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft.
Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight… https://t.co/yac5sDTp1j
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) August 9, 2026
It’s happened often enough that “routine” barely covers it anymore.
Back in July, during World Cup weekend at nearby MetLife Stadium, ten planes attempted to enter restricted zones over Bedminster and East Rutherford within a single stretch. Three required actual intercepts, and flares had to be deployed twice just to get pilots’ attention.
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A separate weekend brought six TFR violations around Bedminster alone. Go back to last July and it gets almost comedic: five unauthorized entries in a single day, three separate intercepts, with both F-16s and Coast Guard helicopters called in to handle it.
The warnings never seem to land, either.
The First Air Force Detachment posted ahead of this particular weekend that “multiple TFRs will be in effect over the New Jersey area” and reminded pilots, once again, to “Check NOTAMs before EVERY flight! Stay Safe, Fly Informed.”
Heads up, Pilots! Multiple TFRs will be in effect over the New Jersey area this weekend. U.S. Army ground-based air defense assets may also be visible. Remember: Check NOTAMs before EVERY flight! Stay Safe, Fly Informed!https://t.co/J7iXWXYppM@NORADCommand @flywithaopa
— 1st AF/America’s AOC (@1stAF) August 6, 2026
The instructions for what to do if you actually get intercepted haven’t changed: switch to frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and “turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions.”
Trump spent the weekend entirely unbothered by any of it. On Saturday, he was photographed riding a golf cart trailed by security and his daughter Ivanka. On Sunday, 90-year-old golf legend Gary Player rode along beside him to watch the final round, and at one point Trump stepped out onto a tee box just to wave at the crowd.
The tournament itself is dealing with its own turbulence.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund, LIV’s original backer, announced earlier this year that it would stop funding the tour after this season wraps. LIV said this week it had secured financing for 2027, without disclosing where the money is coming from.
Featured image via X screengrab
