No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1104: 2025 Birdies and Bogeys + Mike McCartin from National Links Trust
Dec 22, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mike McCartan, co-founder of the National Links Trust and golf course architect, dives into the mission of preserving and renovating public golf courses in D.C. He emphasizes the importance of affordable access, detailing efforts at East Potomac and Langston. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of these courses and the challenges they face, including political obstacles and renovation timelines. Mike also shares impactful community programs aimed at fostering new golf enthusiasts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Humble Beginnings At East Potomac
- Mike McCartan learned golf at East Potomac as a child and it shaped his career path into golf architecture.
- That personal origin motivated him to co-found National Links Trust to protect similar public courses.
Affordable Golf Can Be High Quality
- National Links Trust aims to preserve affordable, accessible golf while improving course quality.
- Great public golf can both welcome new players and be architecturally meaningful, boosting the sport's ecosystem.
Langston's Deep Historical Roots
- Langston was created in the 1920s as a response to segregation and became a central hub for Black golfers.
- The Royals and Wake Robins clubs fought for a dedicated course and still play there today.