Golf

PoP. Ed – “**Mr. President: Public Golf Should Remain Public**”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Phil

“Dear PoPville,

**Mr. President: Public Golf Should Remain Public**

When East Potomac Golf Links opened in 1921 as Washington’s first public course, it was designed to be “the model public playground”—a place where working people, not just country club members, could play the game. President Warren Harding loved it so much he’d skip his private club at Chevy Chase to play there instead. That’s the tradition President Trump now threatens to dismantle.

On December 31st, the Trump administration terminated the National Links Trust’s 50-year lease to operate Washington’s three historic public golf courses—East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek. The administration claims the nonprofit defaulted on capital improvements, yet NLT invested over $8.5 million in upgrades, doubled both rounds played and revenue, and kept greens fees affordable while elite courses nearby charge triple the price. The real default isn’t financial—it’s a failure to recognize that federal land should serve the public, not presidential ambitions.

These aren’t ordinary golf courses. (more…)

NLT: “We are devastated to report that the Trump administration is officially terminating our 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage and renovate the three courses.”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Phil

ICYMI: December 18, 2025 – National Links Trust could be in trouble

Thanks to B. for passing on the sad update from National Links Trust:

“Dear Friends of National Links Trust,

As supporters of the National Links Trust, our community programming, and our ongoing efforts to rehabilitate DC’s three municipal golf courses, we wanted to update you on recent developments around the National Links Trust stewardship of East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek.

We are devastated to report that the Trump administration is officially terminating our 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage and renovate the three courses. We remain in fundamental disagreement with the administration’s characterization of NLT as being in default under the lease. 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 termination is effective immediately. (more…)

The Malbon Golf (clothing and accessories) opened

By Prince Of Petworth

1265 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Malbon’s website says:

“From day one, we’ve made the green the common ground. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, our mission remains unchanged: to bring together diverse players, styles, and cultures through a shared love for the greatest game on Earth.” (more…)

Malbon Golf (clothing and accessories) coming to Georgetown

By Prince Of Petworth


1265 Wisconsin Ave, NW

Malbon’s website says:

“From day one, we’ve made the green the common ground. Founded in 2017 by culture and golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, our mission remains unchanged: to bring together diverse players, styles, and cultures through a shared love for the greatest game on Earth.”

Stay tuned for an opening date.

X-Golf America opening Sept. 28th at Nats Park

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Emma K Alexandra

From a press release:

“X-Golf America announced Saturday, Sept. 28 as the grand opening celebration of X-Golf Nationals Park, its first corporately owned location and just the second location attached to a Major League ballpark. Reservations open at www.xgolfnationalspark.com where fans can reserve time slots at sim bays on game days and non-game days.

X-Golf Nationals Park marks the first vendor in Nationals Park’s First Street retail space, welcoming residents from across the region to the Capitol Riverfront, one of the hottest and rapidly growing entertainment districts in the country. X-Golf will be open to the public year-round and will not require a ticket to a baseball game for entry.

“We’re really looking forward to opening the doors for fans at X-Golf Nationals Park,” said Ryan D’Arcy, President and CEO of X-Golf America. “As we continue expansion of our corporate owned venues strategy, it’s exciting to be operating this one in such an amazing MLB stadium environment.”

With a footprint encompassing 8,700+ sq. ft and eight golf simulators, (more…)

“Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation plan receives National Capital Planning Commission’s final approval”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Mr.TinMD

From the National Park Service:

“The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approved the Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation project on Sept. 5, 2024. This marks a major step forward in rehabilitating one of Washington’s treasured public golf courses.

“We remain committed to balancing recreation and conservation. People care deeply about Rock Creek Park, and public input has been crucial in shaping a plan that respects the park’s history and nature while enhancing recreational opportunities for everyone,” acting superintendent of Rock Creek Park Brian Joyner said.

Commitments and Plan Enhancements

Public participation played a key role in refining the plan. Based on community feedback, the National Park Service and National Links Trust, which holds a 50-year lease for three historic, public golf courses in Washington, made important adjustments, including: (more…)

“Coalition launches campaign demanding better, more inclusive plan for Rock Creek Park Golf Course this Thursday at 7:30 on the golf course”

By Prince Of Petworth

From a press release:

“During the hottest April on record, the National Park Service (NPS) approved a plan to cut down over 1,200 trees from Rock Creek Park, including hundreds of heritage and canopy trees from 33 different native species, amounting to one third of the trees on the golf course. The chainsaws will start whirring this fall, followed by heavy machinery that will regrade up to 32 acres of land and build a new 50-bay driving range that will be lit until 10pm, further disrupting ecosystems and wildlife. (more…)

“Rehabilitation of Rock Creek Park Golf Course to begin in 2024”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by Mr.TinMD

From NPS:

“The National Park Service (NPS) and National Links Trust (NLT) will rehabilitate Rock Creek Park Golf Course, one of the oldest public golf courses in the country. The rehabilitation of the 100-year-old course in northwest Washington, D.C., is expected to start in late 2024 and take two years to complete.

The project will respect the environment and history of the location and improve course playability and sustainability. The rehabilitation project will: (more…)

“Tell the National Park Service (NPS) not to cut down 1,200 trees in Rock Creek Park by submitting comments on their plan to rehabilitate the Rock Creek Golf Course.”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Proposed NPS plan that includes removal of 1,200 trees.” via Casey Trees

Thanks to J. for passing on from Casey Trees:

“Calling all Casey Trees Advocates – Save Trees in Rock Creek Park

Your Advocacy is Needed TODAY:

Tell the National Park Service (NPS) not to cut down 1,200 trees in Rock Creek Park by submitting comments on their plan to rehabilitate the Rock Creek Golf Course. Your comments are easily submitted through NPS’ online form.

Guidance on how to provide comments and a recommended template are provided further down in this article.

What is Happening: (more…)

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