Langston Golf Course and GolfDC Academy

Langston Golf Course opened in 1939 as a 9-hole course.  The course was built as a segregated golf facility.  It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and is named for John Mercer Langston, the first African American popularly elected to office (1855), founder and first dean of Howard University’s Law Department, first president of Virginia State University, and the first black congressman elected from Virginia (1888).

Frequented by golfers of many ethnic backgrounds, Langston is traditionally played by African American golfers.  Over Langston’s long history, African American golfers have been consistently loyal to Langston.  Since the 1930s, it has been the home course of the Royal GolfClub, and the Wake Robin Golf Club, the nation’s first golf clubs for Black men and women, respectively.

Langston has also been the home of the international Pro-Am tournament, the Capital City Open.  This renowned event was noted for participation by celebrities such as Bob Hope, President Gerald Ford, and Joe Louis, as well as prominent players including Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Jim Thorpe, and many other African American professional golfers.

Langston Golf Course is significant for its symbolic association with the development of public golfing facilities in the greater Washington, D. C. area, and with the growth of golf as a popular recreational and professional sport for African Americans.  It served as a focal point for efforts to encourage the development of golfing facilities for African American players during the first half of the 20th century and subsequently, to ensure equal access to, and equal quality of recreational facilities operated by the National Park Service.
 
Langston's front nine stays close to the clubhouse with a memorable trip up the third fairway to the Joe Louis Tree. Score well on the front because the back nine will test you. Winding around Kingman Lake, the back nine features rolling hills and challenging tee shots. Pull and power carts are available, as are rental sets. Langston's close proximity to Downtown DC makes it a perfect spot for a corporate outing. Full shotgun starts are available. The golf course is open year-round from dawn to dusk and our loyal patrons have been known to play regardless of the weather.
 
Langston has been recognized by Audubon International for its environmentally friendly maintenance practices. Langston was named one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play in 2008.

A full-service golf facility, Langston offers affordable and accessible recreation to local residents and tourists in a unique setting.

- 18 Holes of Golf
- Open Year-round
- Driving Range
- 5,000 sq. ft. Putting Area
- Langston Grille
- GolfDC Academy