Troon to manage 3 District of Columbia public golf courses

Langston Golf Course (Photo: Marcey Frutchey, National Park Service)

The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit entity formed to preserve and protect affordable, accessible and architecturally engaging public access golf, is partnering with Troon to manage operations of three public golf courses in Washington, D.C.

Troon will manage the operations for East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek Park Golf Course.

The National Links Trust was recently selected by the National Park Service (NPS) to negotiate a long-term lease for the rehab and operation of the three historic golf properties. The NPS and NLT will begin negotiations immediately to have a lease in place no later than Sept. 30.

Renowned golf course architects Tom Doak, Gil Hanse and Beau Welling will provide design services for renovation work on the courses, while golf developer Mike Keiser is serving as senior adviser to the NLT. The NLT is also partnering with civic, philanthropic and environmental organizations such as First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C., Golf. My Future. My Game., Anacostia Watershed and others. 

“Troon is proud, and honored, to be part of The National Links Trust’s all-star team and share in their vision and commitment to bring these historic courses back to their original prominence,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “We look forward to being a part of delivering accessible, affordable and engaging public golf to the D.C. area.”

The National Links Trust has proposed on a multiyear, multimillion-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the golf properties, while simultaneously developing and maintaining environmentally sound open spaces and parks for the benefit of the community, both golfers and nongolfers.

“These properties are more than just golf courses,” said Michael McCartin, co-founder of NLT. “They are unique cultural and recreational resources with a long and commendable record of offering affordable access to the game of golf. Our plan calls for celebrating the history of the three golf courses, particularly their role in the integration of public golf and recreational facilities in both the greater Washington, D.C., area and the nation. We are honored to take on the responsibility of revitalizing these remarkable properties and look forward to expanding recreational opportunities for underserved communities, including seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities and those new to golf.”