How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf

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:

• The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters [00:50] 
• The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses [03:00] 
• Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be [08:10] 
• The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback [11:10] 
• The future of public golf and what’s at stake [16:30] 
• How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success [20:00] 
• The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses [28:10]  
• Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration [36:00] 

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. Doak’s site.

Connect with Will Smith

• Connect with Will Smith on LinkedIn

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