Assumes Responsibility for Management, Operations and Improvements of East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek Park Golf Courses in the Nation’s Capital
Washington, DC — The National Links Trust, 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 Unites States, today announced the finalization of a lease from the National Park Service for the management, operation and improvement of East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek Park Golf Courses. The lease term is for 50 years and commences October 5, 2020.
The National Links Trust (NLT) has committed to a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment in the restoration and rehabilitation of the three Washington, DC public golf facilities, and has partnered with Troon®, the leader in club management, development, and marketing, to manage the courses during the term of the lease, initially under the Honours Golf operating brand. In addition to course and property improvements, the NLT intends to maintain affordable golf fees, develop and support youth golf and educational programs, and implement environmentally favorable practices. Moreover, the NLT will take steps to acknowledge and preserve the unique social and sporting histories of these parks, and intends to honor their rich past, especially their role in the racial integration of public golf in Washington and the nation.
Mike McCartin, co-founder of the NLT, commented: “We are very excited to take on the stewardship of these remarkable properties, and are fully confident that our plans, which will be implemented over the next several years, will substantially benefit both golfers and the surrounding communities. We are grateful to the NPS for this opportunity and pleased that they have placed their trust in our team. “ According to Will Smith, co-founder of the NLT: “Our RFP response and the recent lease negotiation have been successful in large part due to the incredible help and expertise of our volunteers who support the goals of the NLT. We are deeply grateful for their contributions. We also want to acknowledge and thank the many generous donors who have provided vital financial support to take us to this next stage.”
Troon’s Honours Golf division is set to manage all golf course operations. Said Matt Hurley, Division President, “Our team is eager to get started on this extraordinary project. Our deep management
experience is clearly important, but for us this is about far more than just golf operations. This partnership with NLT is an unmatched opportunity to exercise our simple company philosophy: golf is
more than a game. We believe golf builds character, instills core values such as inclusivity and respect for all, and brings friends, family and colleagues together.” Hurley added: “We look forward to serving the local golf community not just by offering a satisfying golf round, but also, when people come to play these historic courses, a memorable day in our National Parks.”
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 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. 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. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, or subscribe to Troon Magazine.
Media Contact: media@nationallinkstrust.com
