Langston Golf Course

Langston Golf Course occupies a low-lying stretch of parkland along the Anacostia River in northeast Washington, D.C. Designed by Bill Love and opened in 1939, it was established as the first public golf course in the nation's capital specifically built for African American golfers during the era of segregation. The course takes its name from John Mercer Langston, a prominent nineteenth-century African American educator and politician. For decades, Langston served as an important gathering place and competitive venue for Black golfers who were excluded from other facilities in the region. The routing unfolds across relatively flat terrain subject to the river's influence, with the Anacostia forming a natural boundary along portions of the property. The layout features mature trees lining many fairways and several holes that play near or alongside the water. Langston's historical significance extends beyond its design—it became a hub for the local African American golfing community and helped nurture players who would go on to compete at higher levels during a period when opportunities were severely limited. The course remains a municipal facility operated by the District of Columbia and continues to serve a diverse public clientele. Its location within the city limits makes it accessible to urban golfers, and its history as a site of both recreation and quiet resistance during segregation gives it a distinctive place in American golf. The grounds also include a driving range and practice facilities that support the course's ongoing role in introducing the game to new players.