Trump Administration Takes Control of D.C. Golf Courses
The Trump administration has officially taken steps to assume control of municipal golf courses located in Washington, D.C.
National Links Trust, a nonprofit organization with a 50-year lease to improve three historic public golf courses—East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf—received a formal termination notice from the Department of the Interior (DOI) on Tuesday. This termination is effective immediately.
The notice, acquired by The Athletic, cites National Links Trust’s failure to meet renovation timelines and provide a plan to address these shortcomings as reasons for the termination. The nonprofit expressed strong disagreement with this characterization, stating that it has consistently adhered to its obligations since taking on management of the courses five years ago.
National Links Trust officials assert they have made substantial improvements to the courses’ facilities while navigating bureaucratic procedures for renovation approvals. They highlight that their lease states timelines are “subject to change due to compliance timeframes.” The organization is also considering legal action in response to the termination.
The termination notice claims National Links Trust has not provided adequate assurances regarding funding or plans necessary to meet its investment obligations. It also alleges that the nonprofit may owe up to $8.8 million in unpaid rent, a claim that National Links Trust disputes, noting that rent can be offset by capital improvements after certain payments have been made.
Founded by golf industry veterans Mike McCartin and Will Smith, National Links Trust has aimed to enhance public golf access in D.C. since acquiring the lease in 2020, investing $8.5 million in improvements and increasing both rounds played and course revenue significantly. However, ongoing projects are now halted, raising concerns about the future of public golf in the area.
Instead of vacating the courses immediately, National Links Trust plans to negotiate a transition period with the administration to continue operating East Potomac Golf Links and Langston Golf Course. The organization remains hopeful about finding a way to preserve affordable public golf in the nation’s capital, despite setbacks from the current administration.
