President Donald Trump is seeking to transform the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., into a championship-caliber venue capable of hosting major professional tournaments. The plan, which involves a redesign by golf architect Tom Fazio, would update the historic public course to a standard comparable to public facilities like Bethpage State Park and Torrey Pines. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum unveiled renderings for the project in May 2026, stating it would offer championship golf at affordable, discounted rates for local residents.
The East Potomac Golf Links, located on a peninsula south of the National Mall, was established by an 1897 congressional act for the "recreation and the pleasure of the people" and officially opened in 1919. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that typically requires federal agencies to conduct preservation reviews under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The National Links Trust currently operates the facility through an agreement with the National Park Service (NPS).
While the administration initially aimed to begin work on September 1, 2026, no construction activity was observed on the grounds during the first week of September. However, the NPS confirmed that dozens of trees have been removed for what it described as routine maintenance. Additionally, a three-story mound of debris from the demolished East Wing of the White House was placed near one of the courses in late 2025; the NPS stated this debris tested positive for toxic metals, including lead and chromium.
The project faces legal and regulatory hurdles. At least two lawsuits have been filed to block the renovation, with plaintiffs arguing the redevelopment violates the 1897 congressional act. During a court hearing on September 3, 2026, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes noted the plaintiffs' concerns regarding unauthorized changes, though she stated she had not yet seen evidence of such actions in this specific case. The administration has not yet detailed how the project will be financed or if the National Links Trust will remain the long-term operator.
What happens next depends on the outcome of the ongoing litigation and the federal historic preservation review process. While President Trump posted on social media that the course will eventually host events like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup, no official start date for major construction has been confirmed following the passing of the initial September 1 target. The National Guard, deployed by the president during a law enforcement surge, is currently scheduled to remain in the city through 2029.