Major Tournaments, Jobs in Prospect as Trump Says Historic Washiongton Golf Course Construction Will Start Next Month
Trump announces construction timeline
President Trump said Sunday that construction on the East Potomac Golf Links will begin Nov. 15. The course is expected to close for about 15 months, until the renovated course opens.
Trump said the facility would remain open to the public and be designed to host tournaments including the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup. He described the project as an economic opportunity for Washington, D.C., that would create jobs.
Court challenge continues
The president did not address the court challenge in his post. The lawsuit was brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers.
Plaintiffs welcome court order
The plaintiffs’ attorneys said the administration had tried to avoid the law while moving quickly to convert public recreation space into a high-end golf course. They said the judge’s order would prevent further harm to a public resource. The attorneys also said they welcomed the court’s intervention and that the order would stop additional work while they sought more lasting relief.
Key points
- Construction is set to begin Nov. 15, and the course is expected to close for about 15 months.
- Trump said the renovated public course could host major golf tournaments and create jobs.
- A federal judge barred tree removal at the course through Oct. 16.
- The D.C. Preservation League and two local golfers are challenging the renovation.