National LInks Trust Saves Three Washington, D.C. Courses

With the National Links Trust completing a long-term lease agreement with the National Park Service for the management, operation, and improvement of East Potomac Park, Langston, and Rock Creek Park golf courses in Washington, D. C., excitement is building for the future revitalization of these three historic public golf courses.

The NLT’s lease agreement is for 50 years and officially commenced on October 5, 2020. National Links Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting affordable and accessible golf, preserving and restoring historic golf course architecture, and engaging with local communities at municipal golf courses across the United States. They have committed to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the three DC golf properties. Rock Creek Park golf course will be renovated by golf course architect Gil Hanse. Tom Doak will lead the East Potomac work and Beau Welling will oversee the Langston renovation. Investments at the three properties will be guided by the following tenets: maintain affordable golf fees; develop and support youth golf and educational programs; implement environmentally favorable practices; and provide architecturally engaging golf courses. In addition, the Trust will take steps to acknowledge the unique social and sporting history of the parks, and honor their rich past and especially their role in the racial integration of public golf in Washington and the nation.

The Trust has partnered with Troon Golf to manage the operations and to collaborate on the upcoming renovations that will help rejuvenate the three iconic golf courses. Troon’s Honours Golf division will provide initial golf operations, agronomy, sales and marketing, and varying food and beverage services, with all course employees becoming Troon associates. With much of the focus on the renovation plans and the future of DC Golf, Honours and the NLT will make a number of immediate enhancements to include(but not limited to) new golf cart fleets, new course maintenance equipment, golf course beautification project at Langston Golf Course along Kingman Lake and the Anacostia River(in collaboration with the Anacostia Watershed Society) and the launch of new websites for the trio of courses, plus an overarching website PlayDCGOLF.com.

“The National Links Trust is thrilled to be working with Troon at these three historic and unique golf courses. Troon’s guidance and expertise have been instrumental to NLT’s efforts to this point. first in winning the lease and now in transitioning to operations. The Troon organization clearly understands the importance of affordable and accessible golf to the health of the game and we look forward to continuing our partnership over the coming years as we make this exciting investment in the DC area,” said Michael McCartin, co-founder of NLT.

In addition to Hanse, Doak, and Welling providing design services, golf developer Mike Keiser is serving as senior advisor to the NLT. The NLT is also partnering with civic, philanthropic, and environmental organizations such as First Tee of Greater Washington, DC; Golf. My Future.My Game: and many others.

“Troon is proud to support and be an integral part of the National Links Trust’s vision and commitment to bringing these historic courses back to their original prominence,” said Tim Schantz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Troon. “Humbled to be working together with partners such as
Mike Keiser, Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, Beau Welling, and future industry participants. Troom is committed to and invested in the long term success of these three incredible properties.