WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — On New Year’s Day, Lou Manzo, his father Dave, and their friend Peter Boogaard kept up a tradition they’ve honored for years: braving freezing temperatures to play a round at Langston Golf Course.

For them, the historic course along the Anacostia River is more than a place to play — it’s a landmark.

“I believe this was the first golf course that catered to African Americans in the country,” Manzo said. “It’s a great course.”

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But this year, their annual outing came with a sense of uncertainty. The Trump administration has terminated the 50-year contract of the National Links Trust, the nonprofit that has managed Langston, Rock Creek, and East Potomac Park golf courses since 2020.

Federal officials say the trust is in default for failing to complete promised improvements. The organization disputes that claim.

Manzo, who has watched the trust’s work firsthand, said the decision is discouraging. “National Links Trust has invested a lot of money in modernizing and redoing Langston, Rock Creek, East Potomac,” he said. “They’re just getting all their permits in line after a long process, and to have all that taken away on a whim is very frustrating.”

Craig Kirby, a Langston regular and founder of a nonprofit focused on expanding youth access to golf, said affordability remains his biggest concern. “My hope is that hope can be kept alive, that’s my hope. My hope is the historic Langston golf course continues to offer opportunities for people to come and play,” said Kirby.

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At East Potomac Park, where green fees for 18 holes are currently $42, golfers share similar worries. Ian Simmons, who also volunteers for the Links Trust, said he fears that if the course is rebuilt to a higher standard, prices could soar.

“Anything is possible, but I’m a little afraid for what the future holds here,” Simmons said. “I don’t think $500 greens fees on a PGA-style course is what this location needs, what the community needs.”

For now, the National Links Trust will continue operating the courses, though it has paused renovation work. The administration has not announced what it plans to do next with the three public facilities.