Welcome to the DC Golf Scene, Mr. Trump!

Last Thursday Lowes Island Club became the newest Country Club in the Donald Trump repertoire of golf clubs: Trump National Washington D.C.

The former Lowes Island Club, was previously owned by Chevy Chase bank. It is located in Loudoun County and sits on the banks of the Potomac River in Potomac Falls (still called Sterling by some), Virginia. What makes this club unique is that it has 2 full sized golf courses. Both run along the banks of the Potomac River, although the courses have never taken advantage of the spectacular location.

Chevy Chase determined that with all of the issues in banking, the time to continue holding this type of property was coming to an end and put the club up for sale last fall. The offering price was $18 million. The Press Release for the sale indicates that Chevy Chase took control of the club in 1990 during that economic downturn when Kettler Inc., the developer, was forced to turn over the deed in lieu of foreclosure.

The Washington Post reported on the sale of the club to Trump and in the article mentions that the final sales price, while not disclosed, was 'a lot.'

As a member of the club, I recently had an opportunity to hear "The Donald" speak of his plans for the club when he came for a meeting of the membership. He is buying all new golf carts (top of the line, of course) and he plans to have Tom Fazio, renowned Golf Course Architect, redesign the two courses--and this time he wants to take advantage of the location along the river. He is overhauling the restaurants and plans to do major renovations on the club house as well as the other facilities. His intent is to make this club the best in the Washington area and one of the best in the country. He plans to make Trump National Washington D.C a major golf club. He plans to make it better than Congressional Country Club, as he mentioned several times (those of you in the Washington area understand the significance of that challenge).

It has always been a little strange to belong to a country club owned by a bank, so I look forward to seeing the changes that Mr. Trump brings to our club. I don't doubt that eventually, the monthly dues will exceed what we are willing to pay...but for now we will stay on board and see where this new regime leads our small local club.

Congratulations on your purchase, Mr. Trump! We look forward to belonging to your club!