Legal Challenge Seeks to Block Trump Administration’s Overhaul of D.C.’s East Potomac Golf Links

The DC Preservation League and two District residents have filed suit in an effort to stop the Trump administration’s takeover and proposed redevelopment of East Potomac Park and its public golf course in Washington, D.C.

The plaintiffs filed for an injunction Friday in U.S. District Court, arguing that plans to transform East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-caliber course threaten the park’s historic character and public accessibility. The legal action follows the recent dumping of dirt and debris from the White House East Wing ballroom demolition onto the golf course grounds — activity the plaintiffs describe as “unlawful and possibly hazardous.”

In court filings reviewed by The Athletic, the group contends that the administration’s actions contradict Congress’s original 1897 mandate that the land be “forever held and used as a park for the recreation and pleasure of the people.”

“The East Potomac Golf Links is a unique cultural landscape that reflects the history of recreation in the nation’s capital,” said Rebecca Miller, executive director of the Preservation League, in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “Altering its historic character would undermine a site meant to be accessible to the public.”

The lawsuit was filed by the Preservation League along with residents Dave Roberts and Alex Dickson. They are represented by Democracy Forward, a legal organization focused on litigation and public policy advocacy.

Named as defendants are Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Park Service acting director Jessica Brown.

“We are acting to save this priceless part of our national park system from being another casualty of a reckless administration,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward. “We are honored to partner with our plaintiffs in pushing back against this unlawful assault on cherished public spaces.”

According to the filing, the National Park Service has begun depositing approximately 30,000 cubic yards of fill — including wires, pipes and bricks — from the East Wing demolition at the golf course site. The plaintiffs warn the material could contain hazardous substances such as lead and asbestos, given the East Wing’s 1942 construction and later renovations.

The complaint references a separate lawsuit brought by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization against the National Park Service over the lack of an environmental assessment tied to the demolition project. It also cites remarks made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on NBC’s Meet the Press in October, when he acknowledged that “parts of the East Wing could have been asbestos.”

Beyond environmental concerns, the plaintiffs argue that converting East Potomac into a tournament-ready course would likely increase maintenance costs and green fees, placing the facility out of reach for many local golfers.

“The envisioned course would be of a piece with the numerous championship-style golf courses that President Trump, who fancies himself an avid golfer, owns elsewhere,” the lawsuit states. “Predictably, the cost of a tee time at such a venue would inflate accordingly.”

The dispute stems in part from the administration’s Dec. 31 termination notice to the National Links Trust, which held a 50-year lease from the National Park Service to operate East Potomac and two other D.C. public courses at relatively affordable rates. The administration cited missed renovation deadlines, though the nonprofit has maintained it did not violate the lease. Lawmakers have questioned whether the required 45-day cure period was provided before termination.

Among them is Sen. Chris Van Hollen, who joined three other Democrats in sending a letter to federal officials asserting that the lease was illegally terminated.

“The public has a right to know what legal justification the administration has for this takeover, as well as any public health and safety risks resulting from their activities,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “These historic courses should remain safe and accessible to the local community, instead of whatever vanity project Trump has next in mind.”

The case now places the future of one of Washington’s most historic public golf courses in the hands of a federal judge, with preservation advocates seeking to preserve both its heritage and its affordability.

Troon Selected to Manage Westbrook Country Club in Mansfield, Ohio

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Westbrook Country Club in Mansfield, Ohio located halfway between Columbus and Cleveland. Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon, will oversee club operations, agronomy, food & beverage, retail, lodging and membership sales and marketing.

Originally founded in 1902, Westbrook Country Club features an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course. The historic, 6,935-yard layout is recognized as one of the top private courses in Ohio by Golfweek and has hosted two Ohio Amateur Championships, PGA Junior Series events, and an NCAA Division III Final.

The Club’s expansive clubhouse includes a brand new 34,000 square-foot addition, a 10,000 square-foot banquet and events center, three unique dining spaces and a state-of-the-art fitness center. In 2022, Westbrook unveiled a new resort-style swimming pool facility, complete with a zero-entry kiddie pool, dashing water features, and a spring diving board. Members enjoy a full aquatics program and individual swim lessons taught by certified lifeguards. A newly unveiled 19th hole has two Trackman indoor simulator bays for year-round play and a poker room.

“As we began planning the club's future, we explored several options for managing our Club.  In the end, we agreed that Troon was the best fit for us,” said Westbrook Country Club Owners Dan and Brenda Niss.  “We are excited to be partnering with the best golf management company in the world, and appreciate their enthusiasm for our members, our club and its rich history."

In addition to award-winning golf and outstanding member amenities, Westbrook Country Club also offers eight beautifully appointed Guest Suites, available exclusively to members, guests of members, guests of ownership and authorized golf guests. Suites include king beds, kitchenettes and living rooms, and come with access to Club dining, the resort-style pool, fitness center, and limited golf privileges.

“Westbrook Country Club represents everything that makes private clubs special – a storied Donald Ross design, meaningful recent capital investments, and a deeply engaged membership,” said Troon Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Langford. “Our role is to honor that legacy while enhancing the member experience and supporting the team with Troon’s operational depth and resources.”

For more information on Westbrook Country Club, visit www.westbrookcc.com.  

Tiger Woods Leaves the Door Open for a Masters Return While Juggling Tour Overhaul and Ryder Cup Decision

Tiger Woods isn’t ready to rule out Augusta National.

With the Masters less than two months away, the five-time champion stopped short of dismissing a return — even as his days are currently dominated more by boardroom strategy sessions than practice rounds.

Speaking Tuesday at the Genesis Invitational, Woods acknowledged that his playing future remains uncertain following his seventh back surgery — a disk replacement procedure last October. When asked directly whether the Masters, which begins April 9, was off the table, his answer was brief and pointed:

“No.”

It was vintage Woods — guarded, but not definitive.

At 50, Woods is eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, yet he has not set a timeline for his return to competition. He has yet to compete in TGL’s indoor matches and admitted that while he can hit full shots, it’s not consistent.

“I’m trying — put it that way,” Woods said. “I can hit it, but not every day and not very well.”

Last year marked the first season of his professional career in which he did not compete in a single tournament. A ruptured Achilles tendon sidelined him in 2025, though he says that injury is no longer limiting him. The bigger concern is his back — and the reality of recovery at age 50.

“My body has been through a lot,” Woods said. “Each and every day, I keep trying, I keep progressing, trying to get stronger, trying to build endurance to get it to a level where I can compete at the highest level again.”

While his competitive future remains in flux, Woods has thrown himself fully into reshaping the future of the PGA Tour.

As a board member of both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Enterprises, Woods chairs the “Future Competition Committee,” a group tasked with building a more streamlined, high-impact competitive model. CEO Brian Rolapp has emphasized a schedule featuring fewer tournaments but greater significance for top players.

The new model likely won’t debut before 2027, but discussions are accelerating. Among the proposals: launching the season around the Super Bowl, staging major events in larger markets, and potentially shifting high-profile West Coast stops — including Riviera and Torrey Pines — into August as part of a postseason format.

“We’re looking at things like that,” Woods said. “How do we make our competitive model better?”

Moving the Genesis Invitational to late summer, he confirmed, “certainly is on the table.”

Amid those sweeping changes, Woods says the broader goal is creating opportunity for the next generation.

“We’re trying to create that turnover,” he said. “Eventually they’re going to take over the game.”

Then there’s the Ryder Cup.

Woods declined the U.S. captaincy two years ago, citing time constraints. The 2027 matches in Ireland remain undecided territory for him. The PGA of America previously delayed naming a captain for the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black while awaiting his decision before ultimately selecting Keegan Bradley.

Now, Woods remains noncommittal.

“I haven’t made my decision yet,” he said. “I’m trying to figure out what we’re doing with our tour and whether I can give Team USA and the Ryder Cup the time it deserves.”

For now, Woods’ future includes equal parts rehabilitation, reinvention, and reflection. A return to Augusta isn’t promised — but it isn’t ruled out, either.

And with Tiger, that’s usually enough to keep the golf world watching.

Pebble Beach Company, Gil Hanse Reveal Plans for The Links at Spanish Bay

(PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF.) – Pebble Beach Company and Hanse Golf Course Design (“HGCD”) today released their plans to transform The Links at Spanish Bay, one of four championship courses at Pebble Beach Resorts. After the last round is played on March 17, 2026, the comprehensive redesign will elevate the course’s quality of experience to rival its illustrious neighbors along Pebble Beach’s famed 17-Mile Drive.

Under the guidance of Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and the HGCD team, who have taken inspiration from the Monterey Peninsula’s other iconic courses, the 38-year-old Spanish Bay will be entirely reworked to take full advantage of its stunning coastal setting. The finished product will be more fun, playable, and strategic for all golfers, while also better suited to challenge today’s elite player. Some of the key changes will include:

Relocating several green sites, including the current 14th and 18th holes, creating room for an entirely new par-three that will replace the current 13th hole

Expanding putting greens by ~40% and completely resurfacing to provide smoother, more receptive targets and variety for hole locations

Replacing the rough in the green surrounds with low-cut turf to offer more recovery options

Widening fairways by ~30%, repositioning fairway bunkers, and adjusting contours to make the playing corridors more forgiving and strategic

Repositioning and redesigning tee complexes to open sight lines and options, reduce forced carries, and elicit excitement at each hole. In total, the forward tees will be ~500 yards shorter (4,705 total) and the championship tees ~375 yards longer (7,115 total) with the par changing from 72 to 71

Redesigning the cart path system to better blend into the landscape

The course’s year-round conditioning and sustainability will be improved with new drainage and irrigation systems, 12% less irrigated turf, and three more acres of environmental habitat area.  

“Working on a project like this is a golf course architect’s dream,” said Hanse, President and Lead Designer of HGCD. “The Spanish Bay site is one of the best we’ve seen for golf, one where all your senses are stimulated by the crashing Pacific surf, and we are excited by Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to creating another extraordinary golf experience on the Monterey Peninsula. This opportunity truly brings out the golf fan in me as much as the designer.”

Added David Stivers, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company, “We are highly confident in the HGCD team and their ability to transform Spanish Bay into a ‘must play’ course for any golfer visiting Pebble Beach. We have seen a brilliant vision emerge from the planning stages and look forward to watching it take shape over the coming year.”

The new Spanish Bay will be a crown jewel in Pebble Beach Resorts’ portfolio of world-renowned public courses, alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Tiger Woods-designed 9-hole short-course, The Hay, and the historic Del Monte Golf Course. The new course will open to the public on April 17, 2027, just ahead of the 127th U.S. Open being played at Pebble Beach Golf Links for a seventh time. Bookings on the new course are currently available through Pebble Beach Resort Reservations.

Construction updates and documentary content will be shared throughout the process on Pebble Beach’s website and social channels. For general information about Pebble Beach Resorts, visit www.pebblebeach.com or follow Pebble Beach on Facebook and Instagram. 

Golf reservations can be made by visiting pebblebeach.com or calling 800-654-9300.

Designed for Zero Distractions: Srixon Unveils ZXi Black Chrome Irons

Adding to their acclaimed ZXi line, SRIXON announces the release of the Limited-Edition ZXi Black Chrome Irons, available in the ZXi7 and ZXi5 models. Designed for golfers who seek both performance and style, the ZXi Black Chrome Irons combine tour-proven precision with a sleek finish that enhances durability and reduces glare at address. The result is a bold, blacked-out aesthetic, all-while delivering the forged feel and control golfers expect from Srixon Irons.

The modern golfer is looking for more than just performance, they want their equipment to reflect their style and individuality too. With the Black Chrome Irons, we’re delivering on both fronts. Players get the precision and feel trusted on tour, along with a finish that stands out in the bag. -Casey Shultz, Srixon Senior Product Manager

Building on the excitement around the ZXi Black Chrome Irons, Srixon is also launching a limited-edition Blackout Collection of soft goods, with several Tour Staff players expected to wear and use pieces from the collection at The Genesis Invitational, bringing a bold new look to one of the PGA TOUR’s signature events. The lineup includes all-black golf bags, headcovers, and blackout headwear.

Tour-Proven Performance

Accumulating eight wins on the PGA TOUR in 2025 alone, the ZXi Iron line has earned its reputation on the professional stages and is trusted in the bags of some of the world’s best players. Now, with the Black Chrome finish, golfers can experience that same precision performance with a fresh edge.

At the heart of Srixon’s ZXi Black Chrome Irons is the brand’s advanced forging process called i-FORGED. Engineered to deliver unparalleled consistency, responsiveness, and control, this formula was developed to strengthen and enhance each Iron, while maintaining a softer feel for superior performance.

For the low-handicap player, the ZXi7 Players Irons feature compact shaping with a thinner topline, narrow sole, shorter blade length, and minimal offset. The result is maximum workability paired with a razor-sharp look at address. The ZXi5 Iron, Srixon’s most potent blend of power and playability, gives golfers the perfect mix of distance, forgiveness, and control, all in an ultra-clean profile.

For more information on Srixon’s ZXi Limited-Edition Black Chrome Irons and see the full blackout collection, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Pricing & Availability

- ZXi7 Black-Chrome Irons (7pc Steel): $1,599.99

- ZXi5 Black-Chrome Irons (7pc Steel): $1,599.99

Components: ZXi Black Chrome Irons will be equipped with the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Gunmetal Shaft and Golf Pride MCC Grey Grip.

Blackout Collection:

- Blackout Collection Staff Bag: $549.99

- Srixon x Vessel Golf Stand Bag: $499.99

- Blackout Collection S3 Stand Bag: $279.99

- Blackout Tour Hat: $34.99

- Blackout Headcover: $49.99

Pre-Sale Date: February 17, 2026

Launch Date: March 3, 2026

Anthony Kim’s Redemption: From Disappearance to Glory at LIV Golf Adelaide

On May 4, 2012, Anthony Kim left a scoring trailer at Quail Hollow Club, placed his clubs in the trunk of his car, and disappeared from professional golf. For 12 years, the once-electric star faded from public view, his career seemingly over.

On Sunday in Australia, he completed one of golf’s most unlikely comebacks.

At LIV Golf Adelaide, Kim erased a five-shot deficit to overtake Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, firing a blistering 9-under 63 to claim his first victory in nearly 16 years. It was more than a win — it was vindication.

Playing before LIV’s largest and loudest gallery of the season at The Grange Golf Club, Kim delivered a vintage performance. Four consecutive birdies sparked leg kicks and fist pumps reminiscent of his swagger-filled peak years.

“I’m too old to be reacting like that,” the 40-year-old joked afterward, drawing laughter. “I think I pulled something in my hip.”

But beneath the humor was something deeper.

Kim has spoken openly about battling drug and alcohol addiction during his years away from golf — struggles so severe he considers it a miracle he survived. Sunday’s charge wasn’t just about chasing down Rahm; it was about confronting his past.

“Every putt that went in, I felt the struggle and I was overcoming it,” he said. “It was therapeutic.”

When the final putt dropped, his 4-year-old daughter Bella sprinted onto the 18th green and into his arms — a moment that eclipsed even the $4 million winner’s check.

“To share this moment — even though Bella won’t understand it now — one day she will,” Kim said. “For her to see her dad isn’t a loser was one of the most special moments of my life.”

Kim’s road back was anything but smooth. LIV Golf first signed him as a wildcard in 2024, where he routinely finished near the bottom of limited-field events. Even last season showed only incremental improvement — what he calls getting “1% better every day.”

He was relegated. He fought his way back through qualifying. A tie for fifth at the Saudi International offered hope. Then came another opportunity: Dustin Johnson signed him to the 4 Aces team after Patrick Reed departed the league.

In Adelaide, everything clicked.

Kim caught Rahm after nine holes and steadily pulled away. Rahm closed with a 71; DeChambeau stumbled with a 74 on a day when the field averaged 69.8. Kim’s three-shot victory marked his first since the 2010 Houston Open — his third and previously final title on the PGA Tour.

At his peak, Kim reached No. 6 in the world rankings and starred for the U.S. in the 2008 Ryder Cup, dismantling Sergio Garcia in singles at Valhalla. Now, after years in the wilderness, he has climbed back inside the top 200 thanks to LIV events earning ranking points.

For a league that recently lost marquee names, Kim’s resurgence felt meaningful. But inside the ropes, the victory resonated on a more human level.

“I cried,” said Australia’s Lucas Herbert.

“Man, he was a gun,” added Marc Leishman, who entered the PGA Tour during Kim’s rise. “To see where he’s come from — how close he was to not even being on this planet — it’s unbelievable.”

Mainstream headlines may have been dominated by the Winter Olympics, the Daytona 500 and the NBA All-Star Game. Kim knows that.

“I know the mainstream media might not pick it up,” he said. “But for the people who do hear about it, I want to be a good example.”

The brash prodigy who once seemed destined for superstardom vanished more than a decade ago. In his place stands a different Anthony Kim — sober, grounded, grateful — and once again, a champion.

The Pandion Club: Inside the Heathland-Style Golf Course and Timeless Low-Country Clubhouse Coming to Estero, Fla.

On a rare, serene parcel in Estero—minutes from everything yet worlds apart—a new private club is taking shape. When it opens in late 2027 (pending approvals), The Pandion Club will offer something increasingly uncommon in American golf: a pure, walkable, golf-first experience rooted in classic design traditions and wrapped in timeless Southern architecture.

Set on the former site of Old Corkscrew Golf Club, Pandion is being shaped by world-renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips and clubhouse architect Matthew Kragh, principal of MHK Architecture. Together, they are building more than a course and clubhouse—they’re crafting a cohesive, rhythmic home club.

A Heathland Heart in Southwest Florida

Kyle Phillips

Phillips, whose four-decade career has been largely defined by his work across Scotland, Ireland, and continental Europe, speaks about golf design with reverence for its origins. Those formative years abroad—walking ancient links and studying the strategic nuance of early architects—fundamentally shaped his philosophy.

At Pandion, that philosophy comes to life in an 18-hole, par-71 layout stretching up to approximately 7,220 yards from the back tees. It’s a heathland-inspired course—strategic, understated, and built for firm, fast conditions. Indigenous grasses, native wetlands, and preserved specimen trees are woven into the design, reinforcing a sense of place rather than overpowering it.

The influence of Golden Age greats is unmistakable. Phillips cites the artistry of Tom Simpson, particularly in green complexes that subtly extend into surrounding landforms, allowing balls to feed, gather, or repel depending on angle and approach. The strategic sensibilities of Harry Colt—soft yet thoughtful green contours, intelligent routing, and emphasis on positioning over power—also echo throughout the property.

“Positioning will matter more than pure distance,” Phillips explains. Multiple lines of play invite decision-making. A longer hitter may challenge a bunker for a better angle; another player may opt for a safer route. The reward is often determined not by how far you hit it—but by where.

The Ground Game Returns

Central to Pandion’s identity is its embrace of firm-and-fast conditions. Tight mowing areas and expansive greens—larger than typical American targets—encourage creativity. Putters and bump-and-runs become viable options from well off the surface. The ground game isn’t a novelty here; it’s fundamental.

The greens themselves reflect that ethos. Their scale allows for diverse pin positions, meaning everyday member play can feel fair and inviting, while championship setups can utilize edges, corners, and interior transitions for added challenge.

Just as important as strategy is rhythm. Pandion was designed for walking. Tees and greens are intentionally close, transitions are short, and the routing flows naturally across the landscape. “Walking creates a rhythm,” Phillips says. “Conversations between friends. Stories told between shots.” That cadence is baked into every turn of the property.

The routing also supports everyday flexibility. Returning nines and internal loops allow members to play three, five, eight, or a quick afternoon circuit. Thirteen returns near the clubhouse; fourteen offers a convenient stopping point. It’s a thoughtful nod to how modern members actually use their club.

An Architectural Heart, Not a Showpiece

If the course defines Pandion’s soul, the clubhouse defines its spirit.

Kragh, who grew up immersed in Midwestern club life before earning his graduate architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, approaches private club design as both architect and lifelong golfer. For him, Pandion represents something rare: a true home club, not a resort or spectacle.

Matthew Kragh

The one-story clubhouse draws from Low-Country precedents and Old Florida sensibility, blending refined Southern character with materials and proportions suited to Southwest Florida’s climate. Metal roofing, vaulted gathering spaces, natural textures, and deep overhangs create a structure that feels established rather than newly built.

Notably, there are no interior hallways. Circulation unfolds along covered porches, connecting the golf shop, locker rooms, and dining spaces while maintaining constant visual and physical contact with the course. Turf stretches to the building. Cart traffic is discreet. The architecture reinforces that golf—not real estate—is the centerpiece.

Arrival is carefully choreographed. As members wind through the landscape, the clubhouse reveals itself gradually, anchoring the experience with a centrally positioned golf shop—an homage to traditional clubs where golf operations serve as the heart.

Seamless Collaboration

Phillips and Kragh worked in tandem from the earliest planning stages, ensuring sightlines, routing, and structure function as one unified composition. The putting green, first and tenth tees, and clubhouse porch are intentionally interconnected. From the first step onto the property to the final drink overlooking the finishing holes, the experience is fluid.

Standing on the first tee, members won’t be confronted by forced drama. Instead, the opening hole is welcoming—hazards built subtly into the terrain rather than elevated for intimidation. It’s an invitation to settle in, to focus, to begin.

On the porch afterward, the feeling shifts to ease. Expansive covered spaces encourage lingering. Members can watch play unfold, share stories, and move seamlessly from round to relaxation.

A Club Meant to Be Learned

What distinguishes Pandion may not reveal itself in a single round. Phillips emphasizes subtlety—the kind that unfolds over time. Strategic angles become clearer. Preferred approaches shift with conditions. Internal loops invite spontaneous evening play.

The property itself reinforces that intimacy. There are no surrounding high-rises, no visual intrusions. Despite its proximity to Southwest Florida’s growth corridors, the site feels calm, mature, and retreat-like—a rare quality in the region.

In the end, both architects share the same hope: that members finish a round wanting a few more holes—or at least eager to return tomorrow.

Pandion is not designed as a one-time destination. It’s built to be lived in, walked daily, and appreciated more deeply with every step.