The Trump administration revealed on Friday that it has finalized a new deal to renovate and improve several public golf courses located in Washington, D.C.
The National Park Service (NPS), in a statement, announced a collaboration with the National Links Trust (NLT), Fazio Design, The First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C., the Western Golf Association, and the Evans Scholars Foundation to immediately begin renovations at East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf. The goal is to make these courses the “best public golf courses” in the country while ensuring they remain affordable and accessible to everyone.
“After this renovation, which will incorporate elements from Walter J. Travis’ original design, East Potomac Golf Links will offer a premier 18-hole championship golf course right in the heart of the nation’s capital,” the statement read. This will allow for high-quality tournament golf and ensure a great experience for players of all skill levels.
Co-founders of the National Links Trust, Mike McCartin and Will Smith, expressed their satisfaction, stating, “Washington, D.C.’s municipal golf courses will continue to be open, accessible, and affordable for the residents and communities that count on them.” They also reinforced their commitment to operating these three courses and building on the progress made over the past five years.
According to NLT, three public golf courses are now available, providing welcoming and affordable spaces for D.C. residents and visiting golfers. They are excited to continue managing these historically significant courses and contribute positively to the city’s image.
In a separate ruling on May 4, a federal judge allowed the Trump administration to perform routine maintenance at the East Potomac Golf Course but stipulated that major redevelopment cannot commence without prior notice. Earlier, in December 2025, the government had canceled an existing lease with NLT.
Plans are in motion for the government to officially assume control of East Potomac Golf Links this Sunday and start the renovations, based on information from unnamed sources.
Furthermore, President Trump’s fundraising group is actively seeking donations for a new nonprofit that aims to assist in transforming the East Potomac golf course and parts of Washington state’s waterfront. They have also laid out plans for the National Garden of American Heroes, as reported recently.
Trump is known to be an enthusiastic golfer. In a previous interview, he mentioned that he prefers other forms of exercise over traditional gym routines, describing long sessions on a treadmill as “boring.”
