Scottsdale, AZ – With the National Links Trust (NLT) recently 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, DC, excitement is building for the future revitalization of these three historic public golf courses. The NLT has partnered with Troon to manage operations and to collaborate on the upcoming golf course renovations that will help rejuvenate the three iconic golf courses. The NLT’s lease agreement is for 50 years and officially commenced on October 5, 2020.
Troon’s Honours Golf operating division will provide initial golf operations, agronomy, retail, sales and marketing, and varying food and beverage services at the three properties, with all course employees becoming Troon associates. With much of the focus on the long-term renovation plans for the golf courses and the future of DC golf, Troon/Honours Golf and the NLT will make a number of immediate enhancements to include (but not limited to) new golf cart fleets, new golf course maintenance equipment, golf course beautification projects at Langston Golf Course along Kingman Lake and Anacostia River (in collaboration with Anacostia Watershed Society) and the launch (this fall) of three new golf course websites, plus a new overarching website at PlayDCGolf.com.
The NLT, 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, has committed to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the three golf properties. Rock Creek Park Golf Course will be renovated first by golf course architect Gil Hanse. Tom Doak will lead the East Potomac work and Beau Welling will oversee the Langston renovation. Investments at all 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 NLT will take steps to acknowledge the unique social and sporting histories of these parks, and honor their rich past, especially their role in the racial integration of public golf in Washington and the nation.
“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 these exciting investments in the DC golf courses,” said Michael McCartin, co-founder of the 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.; Anacostia Watershed; 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, Troon is committed-to and invested-in the long term success of these three incredible properties.”
For more information on The National Links Trust, visit www.nationallinkstrust.com.
