National Links Trust completes long-term lease agreement on three historic golf courses

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.

About National Links Trust

The National Links Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization formed to promote and protect affordability, accessibility and engaging golf course architecture at municipal golf courses throughout the USA. NLT has signed a long-term lease with the National Park Service to improve the golf courses and enhance the facilities at the three historic courses in our nation’s capital: East Potomac Park, Langston, and Rock Creek. Founded by Michael McCartin and William Smith, both experienced golf course designers and Washington, DC natives, the Trust is funded by private donors and governed and supported by a team of business and civic leaders from the DC area and beyond.

About Honours Golf

Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., Honours Golf was founded on a vision to provide award-winning golf courses with unparalleled course conditions, hire dedicated team members who share a passion for golf, and deliver impeccable personalized service. As a result, Honours Golf has grown to become the Southeast’s leading golf course development and management company. In 2014, Honours Golf was acquired by Troon and operates as a subsidiary of the global brand. Honours Golf currently operates 23 award-winning daily fee, resort and private club facilities including the King & Bear at World Golf Village Resort in St. Augustine, Fla.; Reunion Golf & Country Club in Madison, Miss., Craft Farms Golf Resort and Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores, Ala. For more information on Troon’s Honours Golf division, visit www.HonoursGolf.com.

About Troon

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon® is the world’s largest golf management company providing services at 435-plus locations around the globe, including managing 470-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management, and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages more than 485-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses, and recreational facilities. With properties located in 40-plus states and 30-plus countries, Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. There are currently 67 Troon-affiliated properties featuring 87 golf courses on national and international “Top 100” rankings. Troon-affiliated properties include Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington; The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards in Bristol, Virginia; Kapalua Golf in Maui, Hawaii; Lofoten Links in Gimsoysand, Norway; and The Els Club Dubai in United Arab Emirates. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, and Press Room.