Rock Creek Park Golf Course Rehabilitation

being — Washington, DC

Rock Creek Park Golf Course Rehibilitation

In late 2024, the National Links Trust (NLT) began rehabilitating Rock Creek Park Golf, one of the oldest public golf courses in the U.S., listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The project aims to revitalize Rock Creek Park Golf, making it a community asset for golfers and non-golfers alike, with a focus on economic and environmental sustainability. The rehabilitation will address narrowed-hole corridors, sparse turf, insufficient clubhouse space, and lack of modern amenities, including handicap accessibility.

The design team, in collaboration with the National Park Service and in alignment with the Cultural Landscape Report, developed a strategy to honor the original 1923 design while improving accessbility and enhancing the local ecology. Replacing invasive plant species with native plants and pollinator corridors, re-establishing the historically significant course design from the 1920s, integrating an accessible and multi-use path network, reusing fallen lumber for site furnishings, and improving soil health by converting scrap wood into biochar are specific strategies that will contribute to this goal.

The goal is to provide the local communities of NW Washington, DC, with a multi-functional, inclusive public resource that serves as a national precedent for rehabilitating existing courses and constructing new ones nationwide. This project aims to set a national standard for environmentally friendly golf courses, reducing the facility’s carbon footprint and adapting to climate change. Once completed, Rock Creek Park Golf will enhance the local area socially and economically, serving as a true community asset.

The story of public golf in Washington, DC, traces its origins to Rock Creek Park, where plans for the city’s first public golf course were announced in 1906. However, the project stalled after nine holes were built, as insufficient funds and lack of Congressional support halted further development. In 1917, public golf took off with the construction of courses at East Potomac Park, sparking increased popularity and a renewed effort to establish a course in Rock Creek Park. In 1921, funding for a new course was secured, and renowned architect William S. Flynn designed its layout. The course opened in 1923, with President Warren G. Harding attending the ceremony. Flynn expanded the course to a full 18 holes in 1926, and continued to refine the layout in subsequent decades.

Pictured above is President Warren G. Harding playing the course in 1923 (first image), the original Farmhouse Clubhouse in 1923 (second image), and the 11th tee in 1957 (third image).

1927 Flynn Plan

Proposed plan with dashed overlay of 1927 Flynn plan

As part of our work with National Links Trust on the proposed renovation of the Rock Creek Park golf course in Washington, D.C., we reviewed the site's history and educated ourselves on the work of the original course designer, William Flynn.

From 1921 to 1926, Flynn developed the course in the parklands style to complement the existing topography, vegetation, and other natural features. Unfortunately, the course has been modified over time and has lost many of the defining characteristics and qualities of the Flynn design.

The two plans above are Flynn's original plan (left) and the proposed site plan (right). Comparing the two plans represents the team's efforts to restore as much of the Flynn design as possible within the current course boundaries. The drawing helped represent the proposed design and articulate the reasoning for design decisions.

The photos to the left are the existing conditions of the course and clubhouse.

Comparison diagram of 1927 Flynn course & proposed Hanse course.

A Plan for Rock Creek Park Golf Course

The clubhouse and driving range built in the first phase will offer a food and beverage operation, a community room, indoor golf training areas, a pro shop, and support areas. In addition, the clubhouse will house classrooms, program spaces, and the administrative headquarters of First Tee of Greater Washington, DC.

The golf course work in the project's second phase will be overseen by golf course architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, renowned for their new construction and extensive renovation work, including at three William Flynn-designed courses in the United States. The proposed nine-hole regulation, par 35 course, measures approximately 3,300 yards and uses corridors from Flynn's original open front nine and more wooded back nine. The nine-hole par-3 course starts and finishes just west of the current 9th green. This mix of playing options takes advantage of the site's natural setting, minimizes tree clearing, allows for healthy turf conditions, and improves playability.

The proposed ecological trail at the new Rock Creek Golf Course will expand the use and accessibility of the landscape. Access to nearby nature has the proven power to heal and will be a welcome asset with numerous co-benefits. With careful planning and community input, the role of the American golf course can be a more diverse and ecologically regenerative place.

The trail will help re-establish a historic farm road, highlight existing bird feeders, traverse a new meadow, and offer connections to the existing communities.

For updates on the course construction and ways to get involved please follow National Links Trust.