Future of East Potomac Golf Course in question after lease termination, group seeks to stop overhaul – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
Washington, D.C. – The Department of the Interior terminated the lease for the National Links Trust in December 2025, casting doubt over the future of East Potomac Golf Course, a public gem offering views of the Washington Monument and Potomac River. Generations of players have teed off there, drawn by its accessibility and history. Now, plans for a major renovation have triggered legal action from preservationists determined to protect its status as an affordable community asset.
Lease Ends Abruptly, Catching Operators Off Guard
The National Links Trust, which managed East Potomac along with Rock Creek and Langston courses, received a terse notice of default in November 2025. Just two sentences long, it cited delays in improvements as the primary reason for termination. Mike McCartin, the organization’s CEO, contested that explanation, noting the timeline had been set by the National Park Service itself.
McCartin highlighted substantial investments already made. The group had poured about $11 million into upgrades across the courses, resulting in noticeable enhancements visible to visitors. Reports also mentioned unpaid rent as a factor, but McCartin clarified that those improvements served as offsets under the lease terms. In total, payments and offsets reached $11.6 million, including more than $600,000 in direct rent.
Trump’s Vision Signals Big Changes Ahead
President Donald Trump expressed interest in transforming East Potomac into a “beautiful, world-class, U.S. Open-caliber course” back in January. Documents reviewed by online outlet NOTUS pointed to a proposal renaming it Washington National Golf Course, linked to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Fundraisers aimed to secure at least $50 million for the project.
A mound of dirt from White House East Wing excavations now dominates part of the landscape, underscoring the site’s evolving role. The Department of the Interior emphasized affordability in its response to inquiries. “President Donald Trump has made affordability a cornerstone of this administration, and this project will be no exception,” the department stated.
For now, National Links Trust continues operations, awaiting further directives. McCartin affirmed the group would keep the course running “until we’re told that we can’t do it anymore.”
Preservationists Launch Court Fight
News of impending closures prompted swift legal action. Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy nonprofit, filed an emergency court order seeking to halt any maintenance work by the Trump administration. The filing accused officials of risking “irreparably destroying a priceless piece of American history,” particularly with planned tree clearing and construction.
The request stemmed from reports that work could start as early as a recent Sunday, following a pre-approved National Park Service plan. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, noted the course’s role as a heavily used public park open to all. This emergency motion built on a February federal lawsuit initiated by the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers. The case progresses through the courts amid ongoing uncertainty.
Golfers Voice Concerns Over Access and Costs
Regular players expressed mixed feelings about potential upgrades. Affordability has defined East Potomac for decades, setting it apart in a region short on budget-friendly options. Justin, a frequent visitor, warned that a 50% price hike would exclude many current patrons. “This is the only place I could golf” when he first arrived in D.C., he recalled.
Jonathan Davis, who has played for 40 years, supported improvements if prices stayed stable. “If he keeps prices the same and improves the course, I’m all for it,” Davis said. Others, like Lincoln Lawrence, adopted a wait-and-see approach pending design details. Mark Ellmore argued against a full overhaul altogether. “We don’t need a new golf course. We just need this one,” he stated, cautioning against turning a public park into an elite venue.
| Stakeholder Concerns | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Nonprofit Operators | Dispute delay claims; highlight $11M investments offsetting rent |
| Preservation Groups | Fear loss of historic public access; seek court block on work |
| Local Golfers | Prioritize affordability; divided on upgrades vs. status quo |
| Administration | Pledge world-class course with affordability focus |
Unresolved Path Forward
The interplay of political ambitions, legal hurdles, and community ties leaves East Potomac’s trajectory unclear. Renovations could elevate its prestige, yet at what cost to its democratic appeal? As court proceedings unfold and operations persist, stakeholders await clarity on whether this storied course will evolve or endure unchanged. The dirt mound on the grounds serves as a tangible reminder of the transformations already in motion.
