The Trump administration is proposing a new golf course on the site of three historic and affordable municipal courses in Washington, D.C.
The future of Washington, D.C.’s public golf landscape took another dramatic turn this week as the Trump administration moved to assume direct control of East Potomac Golf Links, one of the nation’s busiest and most iconic municipal golf facilities.
Located on the Potomac River with sweeping views of the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial, East Potomac has long been a beloved public golf destination for local players, visitors, beginners, and families. Now, that tradition faces uncertainty as the federal government prepares to close the facility temporarily for renovations and a broader reimagining of the property.
According to multiple reports, the administration plans to take official control of East Potomac Golf Links immediately, with initial work expected to begin following the course’s closure. Early renovations are slated to include landscaping, tree clearing, and deferred maintenance. Longer-term plans reportedly envision transforming the historic municipal layout into a championship-caliber golf venue capable of hosting elite competitions.
Golf course architect Tom Fazio is expected to play a leading role in the redesign, though final plans remain subject to approval by the National Park Service and other regulatory reviews. The proposed overhaul is also tied to broader redevelopment efforts along Washington’s waterfront, including the possible addition of the National Garden of American Heroes nearby.
The move follows the Trump administration’s December 2025 decision to terminate the 50-year lease held by the National Links Trust, the nonprofit organization that had managed East Potomac, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf since 2020. Federal officials cited alleged lease defaults and unmet capital improvement requirements. National Links Trust strongly disputed those claims, noting that it had invested more than $8.5 million into the three facilities while significantly increasing rounds played, revenue, and community engagement.
In a statement released May 2, National Links Trust said it was blindsided by reports of the impending East Potomac takeover. The organization stated that it had no prior notice of the administration’s plans and had not been contacted by either the Department of the Interior or the National Park Service.
“Last night’s report from NOTUS that the Trump Administration plans to officially take over the East Potomac Golf Links on Sunday and will begin renovations was a complete surprise to us,” the organization said. “Contrary to the report, we have also not received any offer of a lease at Rock Creek Park Golf, or any indication of what the future holds at Langston Golf Course.”
The statement continued: “As of the time of this posting, we have had no interaction with anyone from the Department of the Interior or National Park Service on these matters. For the sake of our community and employees, we hope to have clarity as soon as possible.”
National Links Trust reaffirmed its commitment to preserving accessible public golf in the nation’s capital, adding: “We remain committed to our mission and working to protect the public golf courses in Washington, D.C., for the benefit of the entire community.”
That mission has been especially significant at Langston Golf Course, one of the country’s most historic African American golf venues. Established during segregation, Langston has served generations of Black golfers and remains a vital center for youth development, community programming, and the preservation of Black golf history. Concerns persist that any changes to its management or mission could affect its cultural legacy.
For many golfers, East Potomac represents something increasingly rare in American golf: an affordable, welcoming, and centrally located public course open to everyone. Its three-course complex—including the popular Blue Course, White Course, and Red Course—has introduced countless players to the game while serving as a year-round recreational hub.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its plans, questions remain about public access, affordability, and the long-term stewardship of Washington’s municipal golf assets. Supporters of National Links Trust argue that any future vision for East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek must preserve the courses’ public mission and ensure they remain accessible to golfers of all backgrounds and skill levels.
For now, the golf community awaits further details, while National Links Trust, local players, and preservation advocates continue to push for transparency and a future that honors both the history and accessibility of these treasured public courses.
