'Trash Island' or DC landmark? How a golf course got Trump in a messy legal dispute

For Jourdain Yardan, golfing at the East Potomac Golf Links on Washington DC's waterfront is a twice-weekly ritual.

"Anyone from any walk of life, whether they're starting to play golf or whether they're a ... seasoned golfer, they can come out here and play golf at a pretty reasonable rate," the 35-year-old told the BBC while putting on the course on Monday.

But President Donald Trump does not seem convinced of his charms, calling the 106-year-old course "Trash Island" Monday evening on Truth Social.

Now, he intends to shut it down for renovations to create a space that "will be open to the Public while, at the same time, designed to the Highest Level of Golf and able to hold World Class Tournaments".

The renovation is part of the president's sprawling and controversial efforts to shape the US capital, which includes a new White House ballroom, a 250-foot-tall arch and other changes to longstanding landmarks. The golf course is a smaller project, but deeply personal to many who live in the city.

Yardan described a potential shuttering, even if temporary, as a "huge dent" in DC culture that could change the heart of the space.

Source: BBC News World RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)