Is East Potomac Golf Links meeting its end tonight? Will the bulldozers arrive bright and early tomorrow to begin President Trump’s renovation?
Since the new year, East Potomac Golf Links, along with its sister courses Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Golf Park under the National Links Trust, has lost its lease from the government. Trump has a new vision for the golf scene in Washington, D.C., and not everyone is on board.
However, it was easy to put thoughts of public golf course closures out of mind because once the lease was broken, nothing really changed. The National Links Trust kept operating for the sake of the public – and because the administration seemingly hadn’t prepared its approach to operating three golf courses without a staff. While we’ve seen some staff leave for positions with more longevity and some days with limited operations, the life and culture at East Potomac, in particular, hadn’t changed.
On Saturday night, the renovation suddenly reappeared. NOTUS was the first to report that Sunday’s tee times may be East Potomac’s last, with the rumor that trees will start being cleared as early as Sunday evening or Monday morning. Trump’s next professional golf venue is seemingly on its way.
Fairway to Green’s Kelly Okun went to East Potomac Golf Links to find out more.
At first glance, the golf course looked as crowded as it does on any nice day, with plenty of people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying the views of the monuments, large putting greens, the driving range, the golf courses and even the mini golf course. Were all of these people here because it might be their last chance to play or were they simply soaking up the sunshine with family and friends?
After speaking with several people, Okun heard everything from last night’s news inspiring them to come out to play one last time to others showing up for an affordable round of golf and just hearing about the renovation plans.
The pro shop was essentially cleaned out by early afternoon on Sunday, with some generic golf clothes and shoes on sale remaining as well as some East Potomac and National Links Trust golf polos and pullovers in larger sizes. If you get there in time, you may also be able to snag a towel, hat, tumbler or golf glove. But, for the most part, the classic pro shop items were long gone.
Okun asked the pro shop attendants what they’ve heard, and their answer is that they know just as much as the locals do from the news reports. One said, “We’re going to keep booking tee times for Monday until we hear differently.”
One couple has a tee time they’re hoping to enjoy on Wednesday. “This is my Kokomo,” the husband said, referring to the Beach Boys’ fictional tropical paradise. His wife added that she learned how to play at East Potomac and it really feels like “the people’s course.” She doesn’t think they’ll be able to afford what’s allegedly replacing the golf course under Trump’s vision.
The predicted increase in price was a steady theme today. One player, Nick Brooks, said, “You can’t find 18 holes for $40 anywhere else.”
Brooks and his partner were teeing off for one last round today. “ I’m out here because it could be potentially the last day playing out here,” said Brooks. “ I think this course is great just because it allows everyone in D.C. an opportunity to play. So, it’s really just really disappointing knowing that golf is going to be taken away for a bunch of people in the city.”
Another woman, who was making the turn on the Blue Course, shared a similar sentiment. “ It’s a great course. I love playing here and heard that this might be its last day, which is just really, really sad if that’s the case. I love seeing just the absolute huge variety of people that can play here, from ages to races to visitors to tourists to skill levels. It’s so wonderfully accessible. So yeah, absolutely one of the reasons I’m here today is because it might be the last one, and it’s just really scary.”
While everyone is soaking in their potentially last moments on their golf course, there’s no doubt they’re also holding their breath to see what happens next, especially in the next 24 hours.
