East Potomac Golf Links Set to Close Amidst Presidential Plans for Redevelopment

The National Links Trust has declared its intention to conclude operations at East Potomac Golf Links on November 15, 2026, marking the beginning of a significant transformation for this historic site. This decision comes as part of the Trump Administration’s plan to construct a new golf course, which includes closing the current park to make way for the envisioned greenspace ¹³⁴⁵⁶.

The closure of East Potomac Park, set to take place on November 15, 2026, is aimed at creating a world-class golf course capable of hosting major events such as the U.S. Open. This ambitious project is expected to see a rendering designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio presented to the National Capital Planning Commission on October 30, 2026 ³⁵.

However, there is some dispute regarding the exact timing of the closure. While the National Links Trust and several other sources indicate the closure will occur on November 15, 2026, one source suggests the closure could happen earlier than anticipated ^{1 3456}.

In addition to the planned closure, legal challenges have emerged. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on October 26, 2026, stemming from inconsistencies between the president’s public statements and testimonies from officials within the National Park Service, Interior Department, and Justice Department. This legal action aims to protect the existing trees on the golf course until the case is resolved ³⁵.

The National Capital Planning Commission will convene on December 3, 2026, to review the proposed design for the new golf course, setting the stage for further developments in the area ³. Despite the impending changes, the National Links Trust will continue to manage and operate two other public golf courses following the cessation of operations at East Potomac Golf Links ³⁶.

East Potomac Golf Links, which has been open since 1920, holds a special place in the hearts of many Washingtonians, serving as the city’s most popular public golf course ⁵⁶. The interest in the property for redevelopment stems from President Trump’s desire to see the space transformed into a premier golfing destination ⁶.

What we know

• The Trump Administration plans to close East Potomac Park to construct a golf course. ¹³⁴⁵⁶
• East Potomac Golf Course will close on November 15, 2026. ³⁴⁵⁶
• A preliminary injunction protects the existing trees on the golf course. ³⁵
• A rendering for a world-class golf course will be submitted to the National Capital Planning Commission on October 30, 2026. ³
• The National Park Service will close East Potomac Park south of Buckeye Drive on November 15, 2026. ³
• The National Links Trust will cease operating the East Potomac Golf Course as of November 15, 2026. ³
• U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued a preliminary injunction on October 26, 2026. ³
• The National Capital Planning Commission will consider the plan at its December 3, 2026 meeting. ³
• The National Links Trust will continue to operate two other public golf courses after ceasing operations at East Potomac Golf Course. ³
• President Trump declared the golf course will close for redesign. ⁵
• Legal battle over East Potomac's redesign involves a local preservation group and two golfers. ⁵
• East Potomac Golf Links is Washington's most popular public golf course. ⁶
• President Trump has interest in the property for redevelopment. ⁶
• National Links Trust had a lease with the Interior Department and National Park Service to manage and operate the golf links. ⁶
• East Potomac Golf Links has been open since 1920. ⁵

What remains unclear

• Whether the closure will occur before November 15, 2026, as suggested by one source.