Trump’s ongoing quest to leave his fingerprints all over D.C. has found another outlet: its public golf courses. While this might seem inconsequential in the context of bigger news, Trump's decision to seize control of D.C.’s three public golf courses could strip D.C. of long-term affordable community hubs and redesign them for the privileged few.
Back Up, DC Has Golf Courses?
Yes, three! East Potomac, Rock Creek, and Langston, which are all located on National Park Service land. Historically, D.C.’s golf courses faced various states of disrepair. But in 2020, a nonprofit group called National Links Trust stepped in and signed an unprecedented 50 year lease. Their goal was to return the three courses to their former glory and create accessible, affordable golf in the District.
They still might not be world class golf courses, but they are designed so you can show up with a group of friends for a tee time and have a few drinks, all without breaking the bank.
Now, Trump Wants To Take Them Over
Fast forward to Dec. 30, the Trump administration terminated that lease, clawing back control of the courses in the process. The administration claims that the time NLT spent meeting environmental regulations and waiting for the National Parks Service to approve certain tree removals showed they could not keep up with their restoration timeline.
NLT refutes this and has even retained law firm Williams & Connolly to help fend off a Trump’s takeover of D.C.’s public golf courses. "If we do them, we'll do it really beautifully," Trump told the Wall Street Journal, hinting that he wants to bring a pro-golf event, specifically the 2041 Ryder Cup, to D.C.
President Donald Trump walks the south lawn of the White House. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
What Does This Mean for Local Golfers?
Residents fear that Trump’s golf course takeover could box them out of the courses entirely. The average price for a tee time at Trump’s public golf courses is $300, but the premium location of D.C.’s courses could raise that even higher, a far cry from East Potomac’s $42 tee time for 18 holes. Washingtonians are particularly worried about how this might affect Langston Golf Course in Northeast, a historic course for Black D.C. golfers.
The fear is that Donald Trump will take over a beloved course, like East Potomac, maybe make it a better course, but make it a course that isn't made for the average person in D.C.
Rick Maese, Washington Post reporter
What Happens Now? Are the Courses Open?
In the short term, National Links Trust has agreed to stay in place so the courses can remain open. However, they have halted all long-term renovation projects, including one at Rock Creek Park, which took years to get greenlit. It is possible the federal government will look for another operator to carry out their vision in the next few weeks, but until then, the courses remain in a state of limbo.
TLDR: Get out there and hit some balls for cheap while you still can!
