WASHINGTON—The Trump administration this week terminated the leases of the public golf courses in the nation’s capital.
East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf, and Langston Golf Course were leased by the National Park Service to National Links Trust, a nonprofit.
The administration said that National Links Trust has been in default under the leases. The nonprofit said it disagreed with that characterization, saying it had “invested over $8.5 million in capital improvement projects at the courses, including critical short-term improvements that have paid significant dividends, more than doubling rounds and revenues while keeping green fees well below the market average for area public courses.”
The organization added, “We have always had a productive and cooperative working relationship with the National Park Service and have worked hand in hand on all aspects of our golf course operations and development projects.”
The golf courses will remain open for the time being to “allow uninterrupted access to golf in the District and our hundreds of dedicated employees to stay in place,” the organization said.
However, its long-term renovation projects will cease.
“At our in-progress Rock Creek Park rehabilitation project, construction has been stopped and our general contractor is in the process of demobilizing,” National Links Trust said. “After five years spent navigating the complex Federal permitting processes, this development is extremely disappointing for all who have supported the project.”
The nonprofit said it will seek dialogue with the Trump administration over the courses.
“While this termination is a major setback, we remain stubbornly hopeful that a path forward can be found that preserves affordable and accessible public golf in the nation’s capital for generations to come,” said the organization.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the National Park Service for comment.
The lease terminations come as President Donald Trump has sought to put his imprint on Washington culture. This has included taking over the Kennedy Center, firing its board, and replacing its chairman and president. Trump is the new chairman, while Ric Grenell is the president.
Trump is also constructing a ballroom in what was the East Wing of the White House. The ballroom will be entirely funded by private donations.
