National Links Trust’s Lease with National Park Service
On October 2, 2020, the National Links Trust (NLT) entered into a 50-year lease with the National Park Service (NPS) to oversee and enhance three municipal golf courses in Washington, D.C.: East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf Course, and Langston Golf Course.
Significance of the NLT
This development may seem minor, but it holds much importance. The NLT is a unique nonprofit organization, driven by a mission to provide affordable and architecturally interesting golf experiences. Additionally, all three golf courses are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting significant architectural heritage and ties to the city’s cultural narrative.
Potential Challenges
The NLT aims to maintain accessibility while elevating these courses to premier municipal golf facilities in the country. However, their efforts are at risk due to recent actions by the Department of the Interior (DOI), which recently ended the NLT’s lease to allow more direct oversight from the Trump administration.
Planned Changes and Conflict
The DOI had been preparing for this decision for months. On August 1, 2025, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, alongside Solicitor William Doffermyre, proposed converting East Potomac into a professional tournament facility named “Washington National Golf Course.” This proposal clashed with the NLT’s intention to partner with architect Tom Doak to revive East Potomac’s reversible Walter Travis design.
Termination of Lease and NLT’s Role
The issue between the DOI and NLT soon became public. Following a series of notices and site visits, Doffermyre officially terminated the NLT’s lease. Curiously, for the immediate future, the NLT will continue managing the daily operations of the three courses, seemingly due to a lack of alternative planning from the Trump administration.
Assessing NLT’s Performance
Doffermyre’s termination letter claimed that the NLT had failed to meet specified improvements outlined in the lease, did not present a valid proposal to address defaults, and owed up to $8.8 million in unpaid rent. However, the NLT contends that they have invested around $8.5 million into various upgrades since 2020, and the agreement allows rent to be offset by capital improvements. This raises questions about the validity of the DOI’s claims regarding unpaid rent.
The Future of Public Golf
As discussions continue, the complexities of the NLT’s dealings with the Trump administration may become entangled with legalities surrounding lease agreements and compliance. While this may sound tedious, it’s critical to stay informed as it reflects significant concerns about the sustainability of affordable public golf in America.
