how much land do you need to build a golf course

by Prof. Trent Lockman 3 min read

How much land is required to build a Golf Course?

  • 4-7 acres – Driving Range (Practice Area) requires (50-100m) Width X (200-300m) Length
  • 8 – 12 acres: Driving range with 3 playing holes holes
  • 15-30 acres – 6 or 9 Hole Par 3 Executive Golf Course with Driving Range
  • 30 – 50 acres – A standard 9 Hole Golf Course with Driving Range

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“This means an 18-hole course of all short par 3s could be built on as little as 30 acres, while an intermediate length or executive course of 18 holes of par 3s and 4s would require 75-100 acres, and a full size par 72 course would need 120-200 acres.

Full Answer

How many acres do you need to build a golf course?

“This means an 18-hole course of all short par 3s could be built on as little as 30 acres, while an intermediate length or executive course of 18 holes of par 3s and 4s would require 75-100 acres, and a full size par 72 course would need 120-200 acres.

How many acres is a 9 hole golf course?

15-30 acres – 6 or 9 Hole Par 3 Executive Golf Course with Driving Range. 30 – 50 acres – A standard 9 Hole Golf Course with Driving Range. 50 – 75 acres – An international standard 9 Hole Championship Golf Course and Driving Range.

What is the average area for an outdoor mini golf course?

The average area for an outdoor mini golf course is 22,000 sq. ft. Miniature golf courses can be built in unique spaces and we can use as little area as 13,000 sq. ft. and have gone up to as large as 30,000 sq. ft.

How much does it cost to build an 18-hole golf course?

Adding the number of tees up for an 18-hole course is 72 tees and a surface area of more than 86,000 square feet. The approximate cost to build the tees could range from $50,000 to $200,000. Size, quality, and quantity of bunkers play a significant role in the cost of the bunkers.

What are the factors that determine the cost of a golf course?

How are golf course fees calculated?

What is the final stage of a golf course?

What is masterplan in golf?

What is a golf course architect?

What are the physical elements of a golf course?

Who develops a master plan for golf course?

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How much money does it take to build a golf course?

The median cost to build a golf course is $14 million, not including buying the land. The lowest-priced golf courses cost $7 million. Others cost as much as $25 million. Building greens is one of the most important tasks, and it can cost as much as $60 per square foot.

How many acres do you need for a 7000 yard golf course?

The average length of a 18 hole golf course is 5,000 – 7,000 yards. The area is spread over 110 – 190 acres.

Is owning a golf course profitable?

Profitable golf courses are generally selling for six to eight times EBITDA, while courses that aren't profitable tend to sell at 0.8 to 1.4 times revenue.

How many acres does it take to build a PGA golf course?

HOW MUCH LAND DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD A GOLF COURSE? Most golfers expect a golf course to have 18 holes with a par of about 72, plus a practice range and practice greens. This typically requires from 140 to 180 acres of useable land. Nine holes with a par of 35 or 36 should take about half the acreage.

How many acres is an average 18-hole golf course?

150 acresAt the individual level, an average 18-hole golf course covers 150 acres, approximately 100 (67 percent) of which is maintained turfgrass. This area is predominantly comprised of rough (51 acres) and fairways (30 acres).

What is the average size of a golf green?

This is from the GCSAA Tournament Fact Sheet: “Golf course management facts: Average tour green size (sq. ft.): The average green size on the professional tours is approximately 6,000 square feet, ranging from 3,500 sq. ft at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif. to 9,000 sq. ft.

How many gallons of water do golf courses use?

Depending on the location of the golf course and the climate, an 18-hole course can use on average 2.08 billion gallons of water per day. Depending on the amount of water needed, a typical golf course can spend between $7,000 and $108,000 per year.

What does it take to run a golf course?

The cost to achieve the condition players expect — or will tolerate — ranges from about $500,000 a year for a daily-fee course to $1,000,000 a year for a private club, estimates Bob Randquist, chief operating officer of the Golf Course Superintendent's Association of America.

Why are golf courses so expensive?

Why is golf so expensive? Golf is costly due to the high cost of quality golf clubs, accessories, course fees, memberships, and the amount of golf that is played. Golf clubs are made from quality materials meant to last a lifetime, and courses often require membership, the cost of which reflects the club's exclusivity.

How many square feet is a golf course?

Teeing area per hole averages 7,500 sq. ft. Greens average 6,500 square feet. Fairways account for 30-acres….

How many acres is the Augusta National golf course?

Augusta National was founded in 1932 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the 365-acre site of a former nursery/antebellum plantation called Fruitland (later Fruitlands).

How many acres is a disc golf course?

A simple 9-hole course can be built on as little as 2 acres for around $3000. Championship caliber courses typically require 1 to 2 acres per hole. Disc golf courses can be installed in phases and upgraded over time.

How Much Land Does It Take To Build A Golf Course?

How much to build a golf course depends significantly on the cost of the land. An average 18-hole golf course requires approximately 140 and 180 acres, while a 9-hole course requires 70 and 100 acres. A 9-hole par-3 course can be built on as little as 65 acres, while an 18-hole pitch and putt require around 25 to 30 acres.

How Much Does It Cost To Build A Golf Course?

In 2001, Michigan State University found that the median cost to build a golf course was $14 million. But it varied between $7 and $25 million. It is difficult to provide an exact cost to the question, how much is it to build a golf course since there are many options and expenses.

FAQs

Owning a golf course can be quite profitable and rewarding if the construction costs can be kept low without sacrificing quality.

What are the factors that determine the cost of a golf course?

Golf course design fees are dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type and scale of the project, its technical complexity, the planning approval process, the working practices of the individual golf course architect and the services and conditions imposed by clients.

How are golf course fees calculated?

Fees are usually calculated in one of three ways: As a percentage of the construction costs. A fixed price. A time rate. To understand more about the amount you will need to invest in engaging a golf course architect, read our advice on golf course design fees. Download:

What is the final stage of a golf course?

The final stage of making their design a reality is to establish a maintenance regime with the course superintendent to create the overall course character.

What is masterplan in golf?

Once the feasibility studies are complete, the Masterplan investigates how the design concept will convert into a course people are able to play on and enjoy. This is the stage when the golf course layout, including locations for the clubhouse and maintenance facilities, the playing surfaces and landscape character, location, style and size of features, e.g. lakes, streams, walls, bridges and pathways, will be prepared along with construction programmes and budgets.

What is a golf course architect?

Your golf course architect will provide a detailed design package to reflect local planning submission requirements and make the planning process easier. Your golf course architect will also assist with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment should it be required.

What are the physical elements of a golf course?

Technical – is the site you are considering suitable for a golf course? A golf course architect will examine the physical elements of the site, such as land area, topography, soils, geology, vegetation, drainage and water availability.

Who develops a master plan for golf course?

The masterplan should be developed by a project team, which is usually led by the golf course architect and typically includes some or all of these specialisms: Your golf course architect will provide a detailed design package to reflect local planning submission requirements and ease the planning process. Land Planner.

How much land is needed for an 18 hole golf course?

There are no absolute minimums and maximums for the area required. In general, an 18-hole outdoor miniature golf course commonly uses about one-half acre or 20,000 to 22,000 s.f. Your costs are effected because of the need to fill the vacant area with “something”, be it landscape, ground cover, concrete or water. In other words, use no more land surface than is required to accomplish your objective. Extra space may provide an opportunity for another revenue center….almost always a good thing.

How many holes are there in a golf course?

The emerging standard (not official) appears to be that 50% of the course should be wheelchair accessible. The design for an 18-hole course could create a loop of 9 holes that are connected in such a way that they can be played twice.

What is Castle Golf?

Castle Golf knows and understands design and many more important but all too often overlooked details that dramatically impact your revenue. A fun and memorable experience is only delivered through a careful and experience driven miniature golf course design.

How to increase repeat visits to golf course?

Increase repeat visits by providing an attractive, challenging (but playable!) and entertaining environment and an eventful final hole contribute to a happy memory of your course. Other details such as signage, landscaping and complementary facilities such as food service, plazas and party areas all figure in to what sort of experience your visitors will have. Increase repeat visits by providing an attractive, challenging (but playable!) and entertaining environment and an eventful final hole contribute to a happy memory of your course.

How big is a castle golf course?

The size of these indoor courses typically ranges from 6,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet. Castle Golf encourages course sizes to be closer to 9,000 s.f. than 6,000 s.f. whenever possible. Castle Golf also believes that an indoor miniature golf should be viewed in a different light than its outdoor counterpart.

What is the playability factor in golf?

The PLAYABILITY factor requires that the ball roll true, that it goes where you putt it. It also means that the holes are designed to match the customers in your market. For some, this may mean a course that places a premium on skill and challenge. For most, this will be a family friendly course that balances skill and novelty, a course that results in players of all ages having a fun experience. These decisions should be addressed during the design phase of your course development.

What is included in a castle?

Castle normally includes the sturdy ropes and poles, the bridge railings, and a surround water line as standard on the courses. There are less expensive materials available. These are important to both the safety issues and the visual appearance of the course. How much land do I need to build a miniature golf Course.

How much space does an indoor golf course use?

An average area for an indoor course will use 6,500 sq. ft. but can go as small as 2,500 sq. ft. or as big as 10,000 sq. ft. Usually when building indoors, you will usually use a smaller area than an outdoor mini golf course. question_answer.

How big is an outdoor mini golf course?

The outdoor footprint is usually larger than an indoor course. The average area for an outdoor mini golf course is 22,000 sq. ft. Miniature golf courses can be built in unique spaces and we can use as little area as 13,000 sq. ft. and have gone up to as large as 30,000 sq. ft. question_answer.

Why is miniature golf so popular?

The reason why miniature golf is usually one of the highest grossing attractions at a family entertainment center is that anyone can play. There are no restrictions as to who can play. Our courses are ADA compliant so someone in a wheel chair can play.

What is the daily maintenance of a golf course?

The daily maintenance is just walking the course on occasions and picking up any debris you may find. Depending on whether you are indoors or outdoors, you may have a daily watering of plants and shrubs. A lot of people will install a drip watering system, and have it timed to go on as needed.

Do mini golf courses have tourist markets?

A lot of standalone miniature golf courses are in tourist markets that get new customers every day or every week. Some local trade markets will start out with mini golf but have plans to add to the location in the coming years. The more attractions you have at your location the larger draw you have to bring in more people and they are more likely to stay longer and spend more money.

Do you need a drip system for a pond?

A lot of people will install a drip watering system, and have it timed to go on as needed. Depending on if you are a seasonal operation or year-round operation you will want to clean the ponds and streams as needed. Outdoor locations may need it more frequently.

Can mini golf courses be built?

We suggest you check with your local governing body to find out about approvals and permits. Miniature golf courses are not built as often as office buildings or other commercial developments, so your local governing body does not deal with them on a regular basis.

What are the factors that determine the cost of a golf course?

Golf course design fees are dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type and scale of the project, its technical complexity, the planning approval process, the working practices of the individual golf course architect and the services and conditions imposed by clients.

How are golf course fees calculated?

Fees are usually calculated in one of three ways: As a percentage of the construction costs. A fixed price. A time rate. To understand more about the amount you will need to invest in engaging a golf course architect, read our advice on golf course design fees. Download:

What is the final stage of a golf course?

The final stage of making their design a reality is to establish a maintenance regime with the course superintendent to create the overall course character.

What is masterplan in golf?

Once the feasibility studies are complete, the Masterplan investigates how the design concept will convert into a course people are able to play on and enjoy. This is the stage when the golf course layout, including locations for the clubhouse and maintenance facilities, the playing surfaces and landscape character, location, style and size of features, e.g. lakes, streams, walls, bridges and pathways, will be prepared along with construction programmes and budgets.

What is a golf course architect?

Your golf course architect will provide a detailed design package to reflect local planning submission requirements and make the planning process easier. Your golf course architect will also assist with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment should it be required.

What are the physical elements of a golf course?

Technical – is the site you are considering suitable for a golf course? A golf course architect will examine the physical elements of the site, such as land area, topography, soils, geology, vegetation, drainage and water availability.

Who develops a master plan for golf course?

The masterplan should be developed by a project team, which is usually led by the golf course architect and typically includes some or all of these specialisms: Your golf course architect will provide a detailed design package to reflect local planning submission requirements and ease the planning process. Land Planner.

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Feasibility Studies

  1. Technical– is the site you are considering suitable for a golf course? A golf course architect will examine the physical elements of the site, such as land area, topography, soils, geology, vegetat...
  2. Market– is there a market need for your golf course? Will your course fulfil market requirements, locally and potentially internationally? What demand is there and how can you …
  1. Technical– is the site you are considering suitable for a golf course? A golf course architect will examine the physical elements of the site, such as land area, topography, soils, geology, vegetat...
  2. Market– is there a market need for your golf course? Will your course fulfil market requirements, locally and potentially internationally? What demand is there and how can you satisfy this to best...

Design Concept

  • Your golf course architect will assess design opportunities and restraints and review site surveys (see common limitations below). They combine these with your objectives and vision for a successful course to create a design concept which shows potential locations of all the major elements of the project. Common limitations- the common limitations which restrict golf course …
See more on eigca.org

Masterplan

  • Once the feasibility studies are complete, the Masterplan investigates how the design concept will convert into a course people are able to play on and enjoy. This is the stage when the golf course layout, including locations for the clubhouse and maintenance facilities, the playing surfaces and landscape character, location, style and size of features, e.g. lakes, streams, walls, bridges and p…
See more on eigca.org

Planning Approval

  • Planning requirements differ greatly from one country to another and obtaining planning permission can be burdensome and lengthy. Your golf course architect will provide a detailed design package to reflect local planning submission requirements and make the planning process easier. Your golf course architect will also assist with the preparation of an Environmental Impa…
See more on eigca.org

Tenders

  • Your golf course architect will prepare detailed documentation, including contracts, plans and specifications to allow the project to be tendered. If you need them to, they will also assist in evaluating tender responses and select the best contractors for you. The documentation may include plans for: 1. Grading 2. Drainage 3. Clearing 4. Irrigation 5. Grassing / landscaping 6. Gre…
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Golf Course Construction

  • As your golf course architect understands all elements of the build and will be your project leader, they will assist in developing an accurate construction programme. Part of their role is to regularly visit the site during construction to ensure the course is built according to the contract documents and agreed timetable.
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Establishment

  • At this point in the development, your golf course will nearly be ready for play, leaving just the final details before it can open. Your golf course architect will mark out mowing lines for the greens, fairways and roughs, and sand lines for the bunkers. The final stage of making their design a reality is to establish a maintenance regime with the course superintendent to create the overall …
See more on eigca.org

Selecting A Golf Course Architect

  1. Do you want to do your own research into suitable golf course architects and approach them direct? Search the EIGCA member databaseto find an EIGCA member who fits your needs
  2. Do you want the EIGCA to do the legwork for you? Use our Member Referral Serviceby sending a brief to us and we will distribute it to our members on your behalf
  3. Do you want to organise a design competition? Find out how by using our competition guideli…
  1. Do you want to do your own research into suitable golf course architects and approach them direct? Search the EIGCA member databaseto find an EIGCA member who fits your needs
  2. Do you want the EIGCA to do the legwork for you? Use our Member Referral Serviceby sending a brief to us and we will distribute it to our members on your behalf
  3. Do you want to organise a design competition? Find out how by using our competition guidelines

Cost of Building A Golf Course

  • Golf course design fees are dependent on a variety of factors, such as the type and scale of the project, its technical complexity, the planning approval process, the working practices of the individual golf course architect and the services and conditions imposed by clients. Fees are usually calculated in one of three ways: 1. As a percentage of the construction costs 2. A fixed p…
See more on eigca.org