Published: January 2026 |
Reading Time: 7 minutes
In a move that's sparked considerable controversy across the United States, the Trump administration has terminated the National Links Trust's management of Washington D.C.'s three municipal golf courses, effectively seizing federal control of these historic public facilities. This unprecedented decision raises questions about public access to golf, presidential authority, and the future of affordable recreation in America's capital.
What's Happening with Washington D.C.'s Public Golf Courses?
The Trump administration recently terminated the National Links Trust's lease with the National Park Service for three Washington D.C. golf courses: Rock Creek Golf Course, East Potomac Golf Links, and Langston Golf Course. This decision ends what was meant to be a 50-year management agreement signed in 2020, just five years into the arrangement.
The administration claims the National Links Trust is in default of the lease agreement. However, the nonprofit organisation strongly disputes this characterisation, stating it has invested more than $8.5 million in capital improvements since taking over management. According to the Trust, these investments have led to a doubling of revenue and the number of rounds played at D.C.'s public golf facilities.
Who Is the National Links Trust?
The National Links Trust is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making golf accessible and affordable to the public. Since assuming management in 2020, the Trust has maintained green fees below market rates, typically under $50 for 18 holes at Washington D.C.'s municipal courses.
The organisation secured pro bono design work from renowned golf course architects including Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Beau Welling to renovate each of D.C.'s public courses. Comprehensive renovation work had just begun at Rock Creek Golf Course when the Trump administration intervened.
Why Does President Trump Want These Golf Courses?
President Donald Trump, an avid golfer who owns more than a dozen golf courses worldwide through the Trump Organization, has publicly stated his intentions for the Washington D.C. courses. In a December 2024 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said: "If we do them, we'll do it really beautifully."
Prime Real Estate in the Nation's Capital
The three golf courses represent valuable real estate in Washington D.C.:
- East Potomac Golf Links sits at Hains Point, offering spectacular views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River
- Rock Creek Golf Course occupies prime parkland in one of D.C.'s most desirable areas
- Langston Golf Course holds historical significance as one of the first public courses accessible to Black golfers
For a president focused on leaving a physical legacy in Washington—having already renamed the Kennedy Center after himself and announced plans for a Triumphal Arch—these golf courses represent another opportunity to reshape the capital's landscape.
The Controversy: Federal Authority vs. Public Access
The dispute centres on whether the National Links Trust has fulfilled its lease obligations with the National Park Service. The Interior Department maintains the Trump administration is ensuring proper management for the American people. However, the nonprofit insists it has consistently complied with all lease requirements and worked cooperatively with the National Park Service.
Local Officials Raise Concerns
Local elected leaders have expressed concerns about the lease termination. Washington D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton stated the action "concerns me to have the Trump administration terminate the lease for, let's be honest, made-up reasons. It seems to be about a grab of the land for the wealthy and well connected."
What's At Stake for Public Golf Access?
The future of affordable public golf in Washington D.C. hangs in the balance. The National Links Trust has maintained affordability as its core principle, ensuring these historic courses remain accessible to everyday golfers rather than becoming premium facilities.
Concerns About Future Pricing
Trump's golf properties worldwide typically command premium green fees, often exceeding $200-300 per round. Whilst the president has promised preferential rates for D.C. residents, critics worry that public access could be compromised if the courses are transformed into high-end facilities.
Impact on Diverse Communities
The Washington D.C. public golf courses have served as important entry points for diverse communities, particularly young Black golfers seeking to access the sport. Langston Golf Course, in particular, has deep roots in African American golf history.
The National Links Trust's Investment in D.C. Golf
Since 2020, the National Links Trust has made significant improvements to Washington D.C.'s public golf courses:
- $8.5 million+ in capital improvements including course maintenance, clubhouse upgrades, and infrastructure repairs
- Doubled revenue through improved operations and increased rounds played
- Doubled rounds played by improving course conditions and marketing
- World-class renovation plans with pro bono work from top golf course designers
- Maintained affordable pricing keeping green fees under $50 for 18 holes
All long-term renovation work has been suspended following the lease termination notice.
Trump's Pattern of Reshaping Washington D.C.
The golf course takeover fits within the Trump administration's broader efforts to reshape Washington's landscape and institutions:
- Demolishing the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom
- Renaming the Kennedy Center after himself
- Proposing a Triumphal Arch for the National Mall
- Attempting to exert control over the Smithsonian Institution
These actions demonstrate a consistent interest in leaving a physical imprint on the capital's most visible public spaces.
What Happens Next with D.C.'s Golf Courses?
For now, the National Links Trust has agreed to continue operating Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston golf courses temporarily, ensuring uninterrupted access for golfers while the situation unfolds. However, all long-term renovation work has been suspended indefinitely.
The organisation remains hopeful that a solution can be found that preserves affordable public golf in the capital. Potential outcomes include:
- Negotiated settlement allowing the National Links Trust to continue management
- Legal challenge disputing the lease termination
- Transfer to Trump Organization or another private operator
- Direct federal management by the National Park Service
Why This Matters Beyond Golf
At its core, this controversy raises fundamental questions about public land use, access to recreational facilities, and the balance between federal authority and community interests. The outcome will determine not just who manages three golf courses, but what vision of public recreation prevails in America's capital.
Questions for the Future
- Will affordable public golf remain accessible in Washington D.C.?
- How will course renovations proceed under new management?
- What precedent does this set for other National Park Service facilities?
- Can local communities influence decisions about federal land in their city?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who currently owns Washington D.C.'s public golf courses? A: The courses are federally owned and managed by the National Park Service, which had leased them to the National Links Trust for operations and improvements.
Q: How much does it cost to play golf at D.C.'s public courses? A: Under the National Links Trust management, green fees have been kept under $50 for 18 holes, making them accessible to everyday golfers.
Q: Does Trump personally own any golf courses? A: Yes, President Trump owns more than a dozen golf courses worldwide through the Trump Organization, including several in the United States.
Q: What is the National Links Trust? A: It's a nonprofit organisation dedicated to preserving and improving public golf courses whilst maintaining affordable access for all communities.
Q: Can the public still play these courses? A: Yes, the National Links Trust has agreed to continue temporary operations while the dispute is resolved, ensuring uninterrupted public access.
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration's takeover of Washington D.C.'s public golf courses represents more than a simple management dispute. It's a test case for public access to recreation, federal authority over local amenities, and the ongoing debate about who controls America's public spaces and whose interests they should serve.
For golf enthusiasts and casual observers alike, the outcome of this controversy will set important precedents for public recreation facilities across the United States and determine whether affordable golf remains accessible in the nation's capital.
