The Trump administration will officially take over the East Potomac Golf Links on Sunday and will begin renovations, two sources familiar with the plans told NOTUS.
On Monday, landscaping, deferred maintenance and tree-clearing work in line with the National Park Service’s pre-approved plans will commence, the sources said. The major renovations at the course will start later, once a design is approved by the NPS and all legal compliance has been met. Golf course architect Tom Fazio is expected to lead the renovations, a source told NOTUS.
The National Links Trust, which previously had a lease and controlled the East Potomac, Langston and Rock Creek golf courses, is being offered a renewed lease for Rock Creek, a source told NOTUS. The offer would include a waiver of unpaid rent for the trust to use for course improvements. NLT told NOTUS that they have not been offered any renewed lease for Rock Creek Park Golf from the administration.
“This news was a complete surprise to us. We have also not received any offer of a lease at Rock Creek Park Golf. For the sake of our community and employees, we hope to have clarity as soon as possible,” a spokesperson said. “We remain committed to our mission, our community, and working to protect the public golf courses in Washington, DC for the benefit of the entire community.”
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The Washington Post reported earlier on Friday that the Trump administration approached the Washington Commanders about taking over the Langston Golf Course. Trump has made reshaping and renovating many of Washington’s landmarks and public spaces a central focus of his second term.
“President Donald J. Trump is fulfilling his commitment to make D.C. Safe and Beautiful as shown by record low crime rates and renovations to fountains across the capital,” an Interior Department spokesperson said in a statement.
“DOI and NPS are committed to continuing the relationships we have built with the local golf communities to ensure these courses are safe, beautiful, open, affordable, enjoyable, accessible, and world-class for people living in and visiting the greatest capital city in the world,” the spokesperson added, pitching “affordability” as a key selling point of the project.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This story has been updated with a statement from the National Links Trust.
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