Trump admin reaches deal to ‘renovate and restore’ DC public golf courses

The Trump administration announced late Friday it reached a new deal to “renovate and restore” several of Washington, D.C.’s public golf courses.

The National Park Service (NPS), in a statement released Friday, confirmed a partnership with the National Links Trust (NLT), Fazio Design, First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C., Western Golf Association, and the Evans Scholars Foundation to commence “immediate renovations” of East Potomac Golf Links, along with Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Park Golf. NPS stated it is aiming to turn them into the nation’s “premier public golf courses, while keeping them affordable and accessible for all.”

“Following this renovation, which will incorporate themes of the original Walter J. Travis design, East Potomac Golf Links will offer a top-tier 18-hole championship golf course capable of hosting pre-eminent tournament golf and offering players — of all abilities — an incredible experience in the heart of the Nation’s Capital and the National Mall,” the statement continues.

pic.twitter.com/60U2rYTpwn

— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) May 9, 2026

National Links Trust co-founders Mike McCartin and Will Smith said in a joint statement released Friday they are “pleased that Washington, D.C.’s municipal golf courses” will now “remain open, accessible, and affordable for the residents and communities that depend on them.” The statement also says NLT “will continue operating all three courses, and we are committed to building on the progress we have made over the past five years.”

A note from our founders on today’s news and our future involvement with Washington, DC’s municipal golf courses. pic.twitter.com/3KQUMEyY6v

— National Links Trust (@links_national) May 9, 2026

“We thank President [Donald] Trump for reaching an agreement that keeps Washington, DC’s [sic] three public golf courses open, welcoming and affordable community gathering places for DC residents and all golfers,” according to NLT’s statement. “We look forward to continuing providing our expertise in operating and managing these beloved and historic courses and to making DC proud.”

A federal judge ruled May 4 that the Trump administration may continue routine maintenance at East Potomac Golf Course, but cannot close the course or begin a major redevelopment without providing advance notice, NBC4 Washington reported. In December 2025, the administration scrapped a previous lease agreement with the NLT, The Hill reported.

The administration will officially assume control of the East Potomac Golf Links on Sunday and commence renovations, two anonymous people familiar with the plans told NOTUS.

Moreover, a fundraiser for Trump has been seeking donations for a new nonprofit aimed at helping the president transform parts of Washington’s waterfront, including East Potomac Golf Course and the planned National Garden of American Heroes, The Washington Post reported on May 2, citing a fundraising document.

Trump, an avid golfer, told The Wall Street Journal in a Jan. 1 interview he does not like to do any form of exercise besides golf.

“I just don’t like it. It’s boring,” Trump told the outlet. “To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that’s not for me.”

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