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Tiger Woods remains absent from competitive golf in 2025. Yet his influence on the sport grows stronger through an unexpected avenue. The 49-year-old’s design firm, TGR Design, is currently working on its 12th major golf course project. Now comes his most intriguing collaboration yet. Woods has agreed to assist with the renovation of Langston Golf Course in Washington, D.C., according to Ed Russo, chairman of the White House Environmental Advisory Task Force. The project forms part of a massive overhaul of three historic municipal courses in the nation’s capital. Rock Creek Park Golf Course is currently undergoing renovation, with completion expected in 2027. Langston will follow next as part of this ambitious initiative. “I’m responsible for redesigning it and making it better than it ever was. And I’m proud to say that Tiger Woods has agreed to help me do that.” – Ed Russo. ADVERTISEMENT Russo has served as President Donald Trump’s environmental advisor for 24 years. His relationship with Woods creates a natural connection for this collaboration. The two share a long history, dating back to 2019, when Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That ceremony came shortly after Woods’ historic Masters victory, with Trump describing him as “a global symbol of American excellence, devotion and drive.” The Trump-Woods partnership extends beyond ceremonial moments. In 2014, TGR Design was hired to create an 18-hole championship course at Trump World Golf Club in Dubai. The partnership designed Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, though the Trump World project was never completed. Tiger Woods has even played golf with Trump at Trump International Golf Club in Palm Beach as recently as February 2025. Woods brings serious credentials to the Langston project. TGR Design has completed several acclaimed courses, including El Cardonal at Diamante in Mexico and Bluejack National in Houston. The firm currently leads efforts on a new nine-hole short course at Augusta Municipal Golf Course, scheduled to open in April 2026. This project also includes a TGR Foundation Learning Lab, which offers STEAM education to students in Richmond County. ADVERTISEMENT The Langston connection runs deeper through Beau Welling, who serves as senior design consultant for TGR Design. Welling is the lead architect for the Langston renovation through his own firm. However, TGR Design president Bryon Bell clarified that “the firm itself does not have any involvement in the project at this time.” Still, Welling’s dual role creates a natural bridge between Woods and the project. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Tiger Woods and Langston’s deep roots in black golf history Langston Golf Course opened in 1939 as Washington’s first course specifically built for African Americans. The course is named after John Mercer Langston, the first African American congressman from Virginia. Between 1978 and 1981, Lee Elder managed the facility. Elder made history as the first Black player to compete in the Masters in 1975. “I wasn’t the first. I wasn’t the pioneer. I thank them. I think that’s why this victory is even more special. Lee, because of what he did, I was able to play here.” – Tiger Woods, after winning the 1997 Masters. Woods has publicly credited Elder for paving the way for his own success. That connection makes the Langston project personally meaningful beyond any Trump relationship. Elder invested $260,000 in improvements to Langston during his tenure as manager. Now, Woods steps in to help restore the course that Elder once championed. ADVERTISEMENT The renovation aims to improve environmental conditions, particularly the habitat for menhaden fish along the Anacostia River. Russo emphasized the project’s ecological focus. Meanwhile, Woods continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 and his seventh career back surgery in October 2025. His last PGA Tour appearance came at The Open Championship in July 2024. Woods may be sidelined from competition, but his design legacy continues to grow. This collaboration brings together presidential connections, environmental stewardship, and a rich history in golf. The Langston project shows how Woods’ influence extends far beyond tournament victories into preserving the sport’s most meaningful spaces.
