WASHINGTON: For years, Max Salas has enjoyed teeing off at Washington's East Potomac Golf Links, a public course nestled in the heart of the US capital where ordinary Americans can enjoy a round without breaking the bank.
But President Donald Trump's controversial plans to remodel the course into a facility capable of hosting major championship-calibre events have left the 74-year-old retiree exasperated.
"Leave us alone! Leave us alone!" Salas told AFP when asked what message he would send to Trump.
"What the hell do we need a championship course in a public course?" he said. "We're here, we've been here for years, and it's ridiculous."
Salas is among golfers worried that Trump's proposed overhaul of East Potomac could transform an affordable public amenity into an expensive destination beyond the reach of its regular players.
At present, 18 holes at East Potomac cost a maximum of US$48.
That is a far cry from the rates often charged at privately owned golf courses — such as those owned by Trump — where green fees can run into hundreds of dollars.
Trump, a famously avid golfer, has claimed that East Potomac is not fit for purpose.
"The current Course is old, broken, dilapidated, and of no further use or effect," Trump said on Sunday.
"It is in very poor condition, with falling, dangerous, and disease-infested trees and, importantly, a collapsing and hazardous seawall."
But for Salas, the remodelling — which will see the course closed from mid-November — also raises questions about Trump's priorities at a time of international turmoil.
"We're in the middle of a war, and he's over here trying to tinker with a golf course?" he said. "I mean, where is this guy's sense? Common sense?"
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'I cannot afford it'
The prospect of a championship-standard course might appeal to some golfers, but for others, the overriding concern is what the transformation could mean for their wallets.
Fidel Enrique Garcia Rendon, a 59-year-old Pilates studio owner, fears the cost of playing the remodelled course will put it beyond his reach.
"Unfortunately, if it goes to a championship course level, the fees are going to go from US$22 to US$250 or plus, US$350 who knows?" he said.
"So I definitely will not be able to come here and play because at that price, I cannot afford it."
His concerns were echoed by fellow retiree Tom Carmody, who questioned both the eventual cost of the revamped course and whether the project would be completed.
"It just makes me nervous, quite nervous," Carmody said.
"For one, just his ability to follow through. I mean, what's going to happen? Will he stop halfway through or quit or something like that?"
But Carmody's bigger concern is whether the promise of continued public access will mean much if green fees rise dramatically.
"He talks about it remaining open to the public, but instead of US$30 or US$40 a round, maybe it's US$120, US$150 a round, which is going to eliminate a lot of people."
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