The Trump administration officially moves to seize control of D.C.'s municipal golf courses

The Trump administration has terminated the lease of the National Links Trust to oversee three municipal golf courses in Washington, DC. Back in 2020, the Trump administration had signed a 50-year lease with the National Links Trust and had planned to renovate the golf courses.

The money involved would be from donations and government funding. However, as per notice obtained by The Athletic, the Trump administration said that National Links Trust had not fulfilled the demands on time, and thus, the lease agreement was terminated.

"The National Links Trust is devastated by the Trump administration’s decision to terminate our 50-year lease with the National Park Service. Since taking over stewardship of Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses five years ago, NLT has consistently complied with all lease obligations as we work to ensure the brightest possible future for public golf in DC,” the organization said in their official statement on Wednesday.

Notably, Donald Trump is an avid golfer, and he owns several golf courses around the world. His golf courses are to host a PGA Tour or LIV Golf event in 2026. He owns around 11 golf courses in the USA only.

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Trump golf course to host a signature PGA Tour event

Earlier this year, the PGA Tour announced a new signature event, which is scheduled to take place at Donald Trump’s golf course. The 2026 PGA Tour season was initially planned to kick off with the season-opening The Sentry.

However, the tournament was cancelled, and following that, the Tour has announced a Miami Championship. It will take place at the Trump National Doral Blue Monster Golf Course from April 30 to May 3.

While announcing the new deal, PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp said:

"We're excited to showcase the game's greatest players competing at golf's most iconic venues. Inspired by our players and fans, we're accelerating the Tour's evolution and ushering in a new era of innovation on and off the course. "We're thrilled with our momentum in 2025, as our season-long ratings and event attendance are confirming that our players and their stories are resonating with fans," he added.

The PGA Tour has started with the new signature events, which have an elevated purse and a limited field.

Notably, Donald Trump’s golf courses have long been associated with LIV Golf as well. They have been hosting the league event since 2022 and will continue in 2026 as well.

The LIV Golf event will take place at the Trump National Golf Club in Washington, D.C., and is scheduled to run from May 8 to 10. The new PGA Tour season will now commence with the season-opening Sony Open in Hawaii, scheduled to take place from January 15 to 18.

Edited by Ankita Yadav