After months of uncertainty, the future of three historic public golf courses in Washington, D.C. is finally clear. The National Links Trust (NLT)—the nonprofit that has managed East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf since 2020—has reached a deal with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), ending a standoff with the Trump administration.

The agreement, announced late Friday night, brings stability to a situation that had golfers and local advocates on edge. Under the new terms, NLT has signed a long-term lease for Langston and Rock Creek, while continuing to operate East Potomac on an interim basis before a major renovation kicks off in the coming years.

This resolution comes after a rocky start to 2024, when the Trump administration terminated NLT's original 50-year lease for all three courses in January. That move—which blindsided many in the golf community—put an already underway renovation at Rock Creek on hold. Now, construction there will resume, and East Potomac is set for a transformative upgrade.

Currently, East Potomac offers two 9-hole layouts (Par 27 and Par 36), one 18-hole course (Par 72), miniature golf, foot golf, three practice holes, and a driving range. But after the renovation, led by renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, the property will feature a "top-tier 18-hole championship golf course capable of hosting pre-eminent tournament golf," according to the DOI. There's even been talk of renaming it Washington National Golf Course and potentially luring events like the Ryder Cup.

Meanwhile, Langston Golf Course has been linked to a high-profile name: Tiger Woods. In November, White House Environmental Advisory Task Force chairman Ed Russo told Front Office Sports that Woods had agreed to assist with a future renovation at Langston. His current involvement remains unclear, but the possibility has sparked excitement among local golfers.

Best of all for budget-conscious players, all three courses will continue to offer some of the lowest green fees in the D.C. area. With tee times all under $50, these historic layouts remain an incredible value in a major metropolitan market where affordable public golf is increasingly hard to find.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a serious player, this deal ensures that D.C.'s public golf scene—steeped in history and now poised for a bright future—will remain accessible to everyone.