Trump Wants to Take Over DCs Three Public Golf Courses by New Years

Nonprofit Has Until December 31 to Comply

Washington D.C. has three public golf courses on federal land, and all three could soon be under White House control.

The Trump administration just issued a default notice to the nonprofit that runs them, claiming the group has fallen behind on promised renovations.

The nonprofit disagrees. But the president has made his intentions clear: he wants to do the courses himself, and he wants to do them beautifully.

The deadline is December 31, and what happens next could reshape public golf in the nation’s capital.

Administration Claims Nonprofit Violated Its Lease

On October 29, 2025, the Interior Department sent a notice of default to National Links Trust, the nonprofit managing East Potomac, Rock Creek, and Langston golf courses.

The notice did not list specific violations. Under the lease terms, the Trust had 45 days to fix any problems.

Trump told the Wall Street Journal the group has until the end of December to respond, or the courses fall to the administration.

He also said he has no interest in partnering with them.

These Are Some of Americas Oldest Public Courses

The three courses sit on National Park Service land and are all listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

East Potomac opened in 1921, Rock Creek in 1923, and Langston in 1939. Presidents have played them. Civil rights activists fought to integrate them.

For over a century, they have provided affordable golf in a city where private clubs charge thousands. Losing them to federal control would mark a major shift in how the capital approaches public recreation.

The Nonprofit Says It Is Not in Default

National Links Trust pushed back on the default notice, with a spokesperson telling the Wall Street Journal the group respectfully disagrees with the characterization.

The Trust signed a 50-year lease with the Park Service in 2020, promising to renovate the courses while keeping them affordable.

After five years navigating permits, construction finally began at Rock Creek in November 2024. The group says it is on track.

Doug Burgum Put Golf on Trumps Radar

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum reportedly sparked the president’s interest by suggesting leftover soil from the White House East Wing demolition could be used to improve East Potomac.

The course sits just south of the White House and has drainage problems along with a seawall in need of repair.

Trump demolished the East Wing in October to build a 90,000 square foot ballroom. Trucks hauled the dirt to Hains Point, where East Potomac sits.

Trump Already Owns a Private Club Nearby

About 30 miles northwest of the White House, Trump operates Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.

He purchased the 800-acre property in 2009 for $13 million after the previous owner defaulted on loans.

Trump invested at least $25 million into renovations, hiring Tom Fazio to redesign the courses. The club has hosted the Senior PGA Championship and LIV Golf tournaments.

Membership fees run into six figures.

East Potomac Was Built to Be the Best

City planners designed East Potomac Park as a model public recreation area.

Architect Walter Travis laid out the first nine holes, which opened in 1921. President Warren Harding was among the first to play.

The course logged over 65,000 rounds in its first full year. Today, golfers can see the Washington Monument from nearly every hole.

The facility includes an 18-hole course, two 9-hole courses, and one of the oldest miniature golf courses in America.

Langston Carries Civil Rights Significance

Langston Golf Course opened in 1939 on a former dump site in Northeast D.C.

It was one of only about 20 courses in America open to Black golfers at the time. The Civilian Conservation Corps built it after Black golfers petitioned for equal access.

It is home to the Royal Golf Club and Wake Robin Golf Club, the nation’s oldest Black men’s and women’s golf clubs.

Boxer Joe Louis, golfer Lee Elder, and singer Billy Eckstine all played there.

The Trusts Last Ditch Offer Fell Flat

Sensing trouble, National Links Trust presented the administration with a proposal titled “Make DC Golf Great Again.”

The plan included a special oversight board that would be chaired by Trump himself, alongside Tiger Woods, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

The Trust hoped the flattering gesture might save its lease. The administration was not impressed.

Affordable Golf Could Disappear

National Links Trust has kept green fees among the lowest in the region. Youth can play for as little as $3 a round through partner programs.

The courses serve seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and beginners. The Trust partnered with First Tee of Greater Washington to run youth programs.

If the administration takes over, there is no guarantee these prices or programs will continue. Trump’s private courses charge premium rates.

The Future Depends on December 31

If National Links Trust cannot satisfy the administration’s demands by the end of December, the lease terminates.

Control reverts to the National Park Service, which reports to the Interior Department and the White House. The president would then decide who runs the courses and what happens to them.

Trump has said he wants to build something different. What that means for a century of public golf in Washington remains to be seen.

This article was created with AI assistance and human editing.

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