Construction is officially underway at one of the nation’s most historic public golf courses. The National Links Trust (NLT) has begun Phase I of a significant, multi-year rehabilitation of Rock Creek Park Golf in Washington, D.C., a beloved public facility located within the National Park Service’s largest urban recreation area. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, Rock Creek Park Golf Course has served local golfers for generations and is now preparing to return with improved playability, facilities, and community programs.
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Phase I marks the start of major site preparation and future construction that will reshape the golfer experience and expand community use. The initial work will focus on a new modern maintenance facility, with vertical construction set to begin in the coming weeks. Additional improvements—including a new clubhouse, driving range, and putting course—will follow, creating a contemporary recreational hub while honoring the course’s historic character.
As construction progresses, NLT expects to reopen portions of the golf course next spring. At least nine holes will be playable in an altered routing designed to maintain access while work continues on the clubhouse and related amenities. Playing conditions are expected to improve steadily, as historic fairway corridors are restored to their original width and turf receives increased sunlight and airflow—both key components for healthier and more consistent surfaces.
Once completed, this multi-phase transformation will become one of the country’s most meaningful public golf rehabilitations. The full vision includes newly designed 9-hole regulation and 9-hole par-3 courses by Hanse Golf Course Design, a dedicated youth golf hub in partnership with First Tee–Greater Washington, DC, expanded green space for community events, and new trails accessible to park visitors who are not golfers.
The scale of community support remains central to the project. “We are proud of the momentum that has brought the project to this milestone,” National Links Trust co-founder Will Smith said. “We are grateful to the thousands of supporters who have helped make this possible. A bright and exciting future is ahead for Rock Creek Park Golf.”
Rock Creek Park Golf’s renovation is part of a broader effort by the National Links Trust to preserve municipal golf courses in urban environments, particularly those with cultural or historic significance. As golf becomes an increasingly accessible sport for youth and underserved communities, the modernization of facilities such as Rock Creek Park is viewed as essential for both recreation and long-term public engagement.
Hanse Golf Course Design—renowned for work at major championship venues including the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro and the renovation of The Country Club in Brookline—will bring a strategic approach to balancing heritage with modern playability, ensuring that Rock Creek Park remains challenging for seasoned golfers while welcoming to beginners and youth players.
The integration of new trails, open community spaces, and youth programming reflects NLT’s vision to reposition public golf courses as shared green assets rather than exclusive sporting venues. With these enhancements, Rock Creek Park Golf is poised to become not only a destination for golfers but a revitalized landscape for the entire Washington, D.C., community.
Originally reported by Golf Course Industry.
