The U.S. Justice Department filed an appeal on the evening of October 27, 2026, challenging a preliminary injunction that limits alterations to East Potomac Golf Links, the historic public golf complex in Washington, D.C. The appeal marks a new stage in the court dispute over the proposed redesign. Filing an appeal does not automatically set aside the injunction or authorize construction to resume.
What happened on October 27
According to The Washington Post's reporting on the court filing, the administration took its challenge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Tuesday evening. The notice was signed by Associate Attorney General Stanley R. Woodward Jr. The filing did not present the government's full appellate arguments or seek an immediate stay of District Judge Ana C. Reyes's order. That distinction matters: an appeal is a procedural action, not a decision overturning the judge's restrictions.
What the injunction actually does
On October 26, Judge Reyes barred federal officials from removing or substantially damaging additional trees in East Potomac Park without court approval, except where action is required to address an imminent public-safety threat subject to notification requirements. The government must also provide at least 10 business days' written notice before closing the golf course, or any portion of it, or making irreversible changes to the park. The order is preliminary; it does not finally decide the legality of the entire golf redevelopment proposal.
The lawsuit was brought by the D.C. Preservation League and two golfers. They argue that the proposed transformation threatens the landscape and public recreational role of the site and that the government has not completed the legally required review. Supporters of the redesign point to an opportunity to improve an aging facility and develop a championship-standard layout. Those competing claims remain to be litigated.
Is a November 15 closure confirmed?
President Donald Trump previously described November 15, 2026 as the planned start of a roughly 15-month closure for an overhaul associated with golf architect Tom Fazio. At hearings, however, government officials had said there was no confirmed closure plan. On October 27, the district court sought an explanation of the conflicting statements, with a response due Wednesday, October 28. A further status hearing may follow on Friday or the following Monday. The announced closure date should therefore not be treated as a confirmed public operating schedule.
What golfers can use today
East Potomac comprises the 18-hole Blue Course plus the nine-hole White and Red courses on federal parkland along the Potomac River. The venue has long served public golfers, including beginners and local residents, alongside a driving range and other practice amenities. Replacing the present 36-hole mix with a different routing would therefore raise questions not just about course architecture but also about access, capacity and affordability.
At the time of this report, the official operator playDCgolf still lists the Blue, White and Red courses as open for walking play, with schedules subject to changing conditions. Golfers should check real-time course status and available tee times directly with the operator.
Location: 972 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States.
Sources and context
The Washington Post reported the October 27 appeal filing. The original October 26 court order and memorandum opinion establish the injunction's terms; playDCgolf's status page lists current access. This procedural development follows, but is distinct from, our earlier report about the injunction itself.
