From: Jim Nugent in Global Golf Post
The National Links Trust (NLT), a 501(c) (3) non-profit, signed a 50-year lease with federal government in 2020. Since then, it has worked closely with the National Park Service to assure the proper operation and rehabilitation of three federally-owned public courses, Rock Creek, Langston and East Potomac. At the same time, they have provided an affordable golf opportunity for inner-city youth that has been a model for what is possible with other older municipally owned golf courses around the country.
The Problem
On December 30, Trump, through the office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, informed the National Links Trust that its 50-year lease to operate the three daily-fee golf courses in the District of Columbia had been terminated. In a letter to the non-profit NLT, the Interior Department said the decision was based on what it described as NLT’s failure to complete required capital improvements and to provide a satisfactory plan to cure alleged defaults under the lease.
The National Links Trust released this statement to answer the government’s claims.
“The National Links Trust is devastated by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service. Since taking over stewardship of the Rock Creek, East Potomac and Langston courses five years ago, NLT has consistently complied with all lease obligations as we work to ensure the brightest possible future for public golf in D.C. We are fundamentally in 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 NLT has also initiated the Jack Vardaman Workforce Development Program at the Langston Course which has trained more than 100 young men and women for jobs in the golf industry. This worthwhile project will be destined to be shelved if the government is successful in terminating NLT’s lease.
Click HERE to watch an interview with NLT Board Member, Alan Fadel and Global Golf Post Publisher, Jim Nugent discussing the federal takeover and what it means for amateur golf.
NLT Successes
NLT completed renovation projects at Rock Creek and East Potomac which resulted in record rounds and revenues, while keeping green fees well below the market average for similarly positioned courses. The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) Evans Scholars Foundation partnered with the NLT to establish a caddie program and the first Evans Scholar graduated in 2024. Just last year, more than 1,000 people touched a golf club for the first time by participating in “Free Lesson Fridays.”
Trump Takes An Interest
Over the last year, Trump’s frequent helicopter rides from the White House to Joint Base Andrews to board Air Force One, took his helicopter right over East Potomac and prompted him to begin asking around about it.
Last spring, the Trump administration approached the NLT proposing help with fund-raising and expediting the permitting process; NLT was naturally intrigued by the possibility. In retrospect, NLT walked into a well-set trap.
In August, NLT was briefed that the president had taken a keen interest in East Potomac. His interest included rebranding the historic golf course as Washington National Golf Course. It has been speculated that his family-owned golf operation would oversee East Potomac. Administration figures whispered about expensive green fees, although there was no business plan offered that suggests there is demand for that pricing. Hosting a PGA Tour event or even a Ryder Cup was hinted at as part of his vision.
In late October, NLT was given a notice of default with the intent to terminate the final 45 years of the lease. At that time, the exact default issue and the expected cure period were not identified.
Compromise
Is there a compromise that could be reached between NLT and the federal government?
It could be possible for the Trump Administration to take over the renovation of East Potomac, the crown jewel of the tree courses, and allow NLT to continue to operate their programs at the other two courses, Rock Creek and Langston.
Trump could be able to bring in Tom Fazio to renovate East Potomac, chase professional tour events and even a Ryder Cup, if he wants. NLT could still provide accessible and affordable golf for inner-city youth.
Summary
NLT primarily serves inner-city minority junior golfers at the three federally owned golf courses. NLT has made great strides encouraging young golfers, while keeping public golf accessible and affordable.
The Trump family golf business already encompasses several high-end private clubs in the United States, as well as Scotland and Ireland. These three federally-owned properties are valuable real estate that has been able to provide the general public access to golf. All that may be changing if the Trump controlled Federal Government negates the 45-years remaining on The National Links Trust lease.
Reprinted with permission from Jim Nugent, Global Golf Post.
Click HERE for the full article as it first appeared in Global Golf Post.
