The National Links Trust has announced a new municipal golf project in Washington State, marking a significant development for the nonprofit as it navigates challenges in Washington, D.C. The organization has partnered with the Friends of the Port Townsend Golf Park to oversee the future of Camas Prairie Park, an historic public golf property located approximately 60 miles north of Seattle. This initiative follows the Department of the Interior’s decision in late December 2023 to terminate the Trust’s lease on three municipal courses in the capital.
The termination of the lease on Rock Creek, East Potomac, and Langston courses has sent shockwaves through the public golf community. Concerns have been raised about the impact on affordability and the historical significance of these courses, particularly following comments from President Donald Trump regarding potential changes to their management.
Despite these setbacks, the National Links Trust’s new project offers a beacon of hope for supporters of public golf. Camas Prairie Park, formerly known as the Port Townsend Golf Club, features a nine-hole course that dates back to 1904. In addition to golf, the park serves as a multi-use public space, incorporating a driving range, disc golf, walking trails, a restaurant, and a nature preserve.
In late 2025, the Friends of the Port Townsend Golf Park secured a 20-year lease extension. Under this new agreement, the National Links Trust will assist in developing a master plan that emphasizes affordability, environmental sustainability, and community access. A highlight of the project includes the construction of a Himalayas-style putting course, funded by a $250,000 grant from a family foundation.
A spokesperson for the National Links Trust emphasized that the partnership with Port Townsend had been in development for several months prior to the lease termination in D.C. “It might appear as if we’re preparing for a post-D.C. future, but that’s not the case,” the spokesperson stated. “This isn’t instead of D.C. We are going on parallel paths.”
The National Links Trust was established in 2017 with the objective of revitalizing golf in Washington, D.C. Notably, renowned architect Tom Doak was involved in overseeing renovation plans for the municipal courses. Since taking over operations in 2020, the Trust has invested over $8.5 million in capital improvements, resulting in increased rounds-played and revenue while maintaining low green fees among major municipal systems in the United States.
In the wake of the lease termination, the Trust expressed its disappointment, claiming it was “devastated” and disputing the Trump administration’s assertion of default under the lease agreement. The future of public golf in D.C. remains uncertain, as President Trump has indicated intentions to keep golf affordable and has reportedly met with architect Tom Fazio to discuss potential redesigns. However, no formal plans have been publicly released.
As the National Links Trust continues to manage the courses in D.C., the spokesperson acknowledged the challenges posed by the current uncertainty. “We would still like to be involved in D.C. in the long term, but that’s hard when there are so many questions about the future,” they noted.
The Camas Prairie Park initiative serves as a reaffirmation of the Trust’s commitment to preserving affordable, high-quality golf. “Our mission remains the same. We want to help wherever we can,” the spokesperson concluded, signaling a proactive approach in the face of challenges.
This new project not only highlights the Trust’s resilience but also its dedication to enhancing public access to golf in both Washington State and potentially beyond, ensuring that the spirit of community golf endures despite the shifting landscape in the nation’s capital.
