East Potomac Golf Links to Close for 15 Months for Trump-Led Renovation

President Donald Trump announced that Washington, D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links will close for a 15-month renovation project starting November 15, 2026. The redevelopment, a joint effort between the Department of the Interior and golf course architect Tom Fazio, seeks to elevate the public facility into a world-class championship venue.

According to the administration, the project is designed to prepare the course to host premier professional events, including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and the Presidents Cup. The Department of the Interior is overseeing the initiative, which represents a significant shift from the site’s long-standing role as a community-focused municipal park.

A federal judge has issued a stay on modifications to the course through October 2026.

Legal Challenges and Tree Removal

The closure announcement comes amid an active legal dispute regarding the administration’s handling of the grounds. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes recently issued a stay effective through October 26, 2026, prohibiting further “irreparable modifications” to the property. The court intervention followed the sudden removal of 430 trees from the course.

While the administration has maintained that the trees were diseased or hazardous, testimony indicated they had not been flagged as safety concerns prior to being felled. Judge Reyes described the removal process as moving at “breakneck speed” while the court was still reviewing the legality of the redevelopment plan.

Shift from Community Plans

The current renovation plan replaces a previous 50-year lease agreement with the National Links Trust (NLT). That partnership, which was unilaterally terminated by the Trump administration, had envisioned a restoration led by architect Tom Doak. The NLT’s proposal focused on maintaining municipal green fees and preserving the park’s original open, treeless links character while improving accessibility for local residents.

With Fazio now leading the design, the project has pivoted toward high-end tournament capabilities. Analysis of the shift suggests a potential tension between the goal of creating a championship-caliber venue and maintaining the affordable, public access that has historically defined East Potomac. It remains unclear how the 15-month closure and the redesign will impact green fees for local golfers once the course reopens in 2028.

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