Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game.
Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline.
The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come.
Topics covered:
- [00:50] The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters
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- Historic public golf courses across the U.S. have fallen into disrepair due to years of neglect, lack of investment, and outdated infrastructure.
- Deferred maintenance has resulted in deteriorating greens, crumbling clubhouses, and a declining interest in municipal golf.
- Municipal golf plays a vital role in keeping the sport accessible, providing an affordable option for new and returning players.
- [03:00] The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses
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- The National Links Trust secured a 50-year lease to revitalize Washington, D.C.’s three historic municipal golf courses and ensure their long-term sustainability.
- World-renowned golf architects, including Gil Hanse, Tom Doak, and Bo Welling, joined the project to restore these courses while respecting their historical significance.
- The challenge is balancing historical preservation, accessibility, and financial sustainability to keep public golf courses open and thriving.
- [08:10] Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be
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- Municipal courses should serve as more than just places to play golf—they should be community hubs offering diverse experiences beyond the sport.
- Enhancing clubhouses, improving dining options, and creating inviting outdoor spaces can help attract families and non-golfers.
- Making courses more welcoming for beginners and underrepresented groups is crucial for the future of the game.
- [11:10] The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback
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- Driving ranges have emerged as the key financial driver for public golf courses, generating revenue that helps fund course improvements.
- Adding technology-driven gamification, such as Toptracer, has made practice sessions more engaging and brought in new players.
- The success of East Potomac Golf Course demonstrates how a well-run driving range can create financial stability for a municipal golf course.
- [16:30] The future of public golf and what’s at stake
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- Without affordable municipal courses, golf risks becoming an exclusive game for the wealthy, limiting accessibility for future generations.
- Luxury golf resorts and private clubs should invest in municipal courses as a way to ensure the long-term health of the sport.
- Long-term sustainability efforts must focus on securing funding, upgrading facilities, and strengthening community ties to keep public golf viable.
- [20:00] How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success
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- Fundraising for municipal golf projects is challenging, requiring a combination of public grants, private donations, and innovative revenue streams.
- The National Links Trust has faced obstacles in raising capital but has leveraged passionate supporters and industry connections to fund restoration projects.
- Community-based fundraising efforts, including golf events and merchandise sales, help build financial support while strengthening public engagement.
- [28:10] The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses
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- Across the country, projects like Cobbs Creek in Philadelphia and The Park in West Palm Beach are setting new standards for municipal golf restoration.
- These initiatives focus on preserving historical courses, upgrading facilities, and reimagining how municipal golf can serve local communities.
- A more unified national effort is needed to share best practices, secure funding, and protect municipal golf for future generations.
- [36:00] Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration
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- Restoring municipal golf courses is about more than just golf—it’s about creating lasting community assets that serve a broader audience.
- Leadership and vision are required to drive these projects forward, with passionate individuals playing a key role in their success.
- The future of public golf depends on collective action, innovative thinking, and a commitment to keeping the game accessible to all.
Resources & People Mentioned
- National Links Trust – Revitalizing historic municipal golf courses.
- Troon – Management partner bringing sustainability to public golf.
- Gil Hanse & Tom Doak– World-class architects restoring D.C.’s muni courses.
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