East Potomac golfers fear higher fees in Trump remodel

Golfers at Washington's East Potomac Golf Links say President Donald Trump's planned remodel of the public course could price out regular players, as the course is set to close from mid-November.

The plan is to turn the course into a facility capable of hosting major championship-caliber events. AFP reported that 18 holes at East Potomac currently costs a maximum of $48.

Max Salas, a 74-year-old retiree who plays at the course, said he opposed the project. “What the hell do we need a championship course in a public course?” he told AFP.

Trump said on Sunday that the course was “old, broken, dilapidated” and had dangerous trees and a hazardous seawall.

Other golfers said they feared public access would mean less if prices rose after the remodel. Fidel Enrique Garcia Rendon, a 59-year-old Pilates studio owner, said he worried fees could rise far beyond what he could afford. Retiree Tom Carmody also questioned how much the revamped course would cost and whether the project would be completed.