Staff Reports
President Donald Trump just put a hard date on a bold plan: federal work to remake East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C. is set to begin September 1, and Tom Fazio will lead the redesign. The announcement followed a site tour with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. That timeline sends a clear message — this administration means to act, not just talk.
Trump Announces September 1 Start for East Potomac Golf Links Overhaul
This is not a campaign promise whispered in a back room. After touring the course, President Trump publicly declared the project will begin on September 1 and boasted the rebuilt layout could host the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup, and the PGA Championship. He named veteran architect Tom Fazio to oversee the redesign and signaled the National Park Service and Department of the Interior will shepherd the work. In plain terms: federal authorities are taking charge of a tired municipal course and aiming high.
Court Challenges and Soil Tests Won’t Stop Common-Sense Progress
Yes, there are lawsuits and environmental questions. Preservation groups and neighbors sued in D.C. federal court, and U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes has demanded documents and warned she expects notice before irreversible changes. And yes, Park Service sampling found traces of lead and other metals in some soil that had been placed on the site. Those issues matter and must be handled — but they are not an excuse for paralysis. Smart leadership addresses contamination with science, follows court orders, and moves forward with remediation and proper procedures.
Why This Overhaul Matters for Washingtonians and American Golf
East Potomac is a century-old public course used by everyday people, not just weekend elites. Fixing it up would protect public access, create good local jobs, and put D.C. back on the map for world-class golf events. Critics who scream “preservation!” while blocking repairs should explain how they plan to keep the course useable and safe for the public. The practical path is clear: follow the law, fix any environmental problems, and modernize the course so taxpayers get real value.
President Trump gave a date for a reason — to force action and accountability. The courts should continue to do their job, and the Park Service should keep regulators and the public informed. But the public shouldn’t be held hostage to delay tactics or bureaucracy. If this administration keeps its promises, East Potomac can become a national asset instead of a neglected plot of land. Let the work begin — responsibly, transparently, and with an eye to making something Washington residents can be proud of.
