Buckle up, folks—Washington, D.C.’s public golf courses just got a presidential mulligan as the Trump administration swings hard, ending a major lease agreement.

The National Links Trust (NLT), a nonprofit tasked with running and revitalizing three iconic golf courses, had its 50-year deal with the National Park Service abruptly terminated by the Trump administration, citing unmet obligations, as the Washington Times reports.

For the past five years, the NLT has managed East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course, and Rock Creek Park Golf Course, aiming to keep them accessible and affordable for everyday Americans.

Lease Termination Shocks Golf Community

Now, with the termination effective immediately, the trust finds itself on the back nine, forced to halt all long-term renovation plans, including a significant project at Rock Creek Park.

The Department of the Interior claims the NLT failed to deliver on required capital improvements, a charge that’s got the trust teeing off in disagreement.

Interestingly, the NLT insists it’s played by the rules, having invested over $8.5 million in upgrades while navigating the bureaucratic sand traps of federal permitting processes.

National Links Trust Pushes Back

“We are devastated to report that the Trump administration is officially terminating our 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage and renovate the three courses,” the trust announced on X.

“The termination is effective immediately,” it added, a statement that feels like a hole-in-one for frustration among supporters of public golf in the nation’s capital.

Let’s be real—while the administration’s decisiveness might resonate with those tired of endless delays, yanking a lease this fast raises eyebrows about whether the NLT was given a fair shot to cross the finish line.

Administration Stands Firm on Decision

The Department of the Interior doubled down, stating, “The Trump administration prides itself on getting the job done for the American people and partnering with others who share that same goal.”

That’s a classic line, dripping with the promise of efficiency, but one wonders if “getting the job done” means sidelining a group that’s poured millions into public spaces without clearer dialogue.

The NLT, for its part, argues it’s been a model tenant, maintaining a cooperative bond with the National Park Service and meeting every lease requirement over the past half-decade.

Future of DC Golf Uncertain

Despite the clash, the trust has agreed to stick around temporarily to keep the courses open, a move that shows some goodwill amid the chaos.

Yet, with the future of these historic greens up in the air, speculation swirls about what’s next—especially given the president’s well-known passion for golf and his track record with high-profile renovations like the White House and Kennedy Center.

While some might smirk at the idea of a personal touch on these fairways, it’s worth noting that any influence from the top could prioritize results over red tape, though clarity on plans remains as foggy as a morning on the links.