Trump Administration Challenges Nonprofit’s Lease for D.C. Golf Courses
Administration Questions Lease for D.C. Golf Courses
The Trump administration has challenged the long-term lease for Washington, D.C.’s three municipal golf courses—East Potomac, Rock Creek and Langston—currently operated by the nonprofit National Links Trust. Since 2020, National Links Trust has managed the courses under a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to rehabilitate the properties and provide affordable, accessible public golf in the city.
Default Notice and Threat of Federal Takeover
The Interior Department, under the Trump administration, has issued a formal notice of default to National Links Trust, asserting that the nonprofit is in violation of its lease. The administration has openly threatened to seize control of the three municipal courses if the alleged violations are not addressed.
President Trump Sets End-of-Month Deadline
In an interview published Friday, President Donald Trump stated that National Links Trust has until the end of the month to resolve what the administration views as lease violations. If the nonprofit does not do so, Trump said the courses will come under administration control. Trump also said he is not interested in working with the group and stated that the administration is looking to “build something different” and “build them in government.”
Dispute Over Renovation Timelines
According to the administration’s position shared in the interview, officials contend that National Links Trust is not moving quickly enough on renovation projects and is therefore in breach of the agreement. However, the lease’s “Initial Improvements” section, as obtained by another outlet, describes the project timelines as “general and subject to change due to compliance timeframes or other circumstances.”
National Links Trust Defends Its Performance
National Links Trust released a statement Friday night asserting that it is not in default. The nonprofit said it appreciates the President’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and expressed hope for an opportunity to partner with the administration to improve what it described as historically significant facilities. The organization stated that it respectfully disagrees with the characterization that it is in default of the lease. National Links Trust declined further comment beyond its written statement.
Work Completed and Ongoing Projects
To date, the nonprofit’s work on the Washington, D.C. courses has included fundraising and site preparation, such as removing invasive vegetation and some trees. A miniature golf course has been completed at East Potomac. Work is underway at Rock Creek Park Golf Course, which is among the oldest public golf courses in the country. Rock Creek closed for construction on November 17.
Background of the Lease and Organization
The National Park Service originally entered into the 50-year lease with National Links Trust to address longstanding issues and needed rehabilitation at the municipal courses. National Links Trust, founded in 2019 by golf industry professionals Mike McCartin and Will Smith, focuses on advancing municipal golf in the United States. The Washington, D.C. effort, called the “Nation’s Capital Project,” is the organization’s first major initiative. Prominent golf course architects Gil Hanse, Tom Doak and Beau Welling have pledged to provide pro bono services for the restoration efforts in the city.
East Potomac Course and Recent Site Activity
East Potomac Golf Course, a 36-hole facility situated between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, includes the Blue Course, a reversible design by Walter Travis dating to 1918. The course has drainage problems and a seawall requiring extensive repairs. In late October, after demolition of the East Wing in the capital, truckloads of dirt and debris from that worksite were transported to East Potomac and dumped on the course. East Potomac’s Blue Course greens fees range from $42 to $48 in peak season.
Planned Work at Langston and Other Golf Initiatives
Langston Golf Course, opened in 1939, is scheduled to receive renovation work following Rock Creek. In November, Ed Russo, chairman of the White House Environmental Advisory Task Force, said he is responsible for redesigning Langston and stated that Tiger Woods has agreed to help with the renovation.
Additional Golf Projects Linked to the Administration
Beyond the three municipal courses, Trump has selected golf legend Jack Nicklaus to restore two courses at Joint Base Andrews, located roughly 20 miles from the White House. Trump Golf, as part of a 21-property portfolio, owns and operates Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C., in Potomac Falls, Virginia, about 30 miles west of the White House. That private property features two 18-hole courses along the Potomac River.