how much to open a golf course

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.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to run a professional golf course?

Alas, this isn’t a column about fantasy but about money and golf. 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.

How much does it cost to open a mini golf course?

What are the costs involved in opening a miniature golf course? The costs of opening a mini-golf business vary, but typically run up $500,000.

How much does it cost to open a golf course franchise?

To stock up on golf balls, clubs, and redemption prizes for games may cost up to $15,000, and legal and accounting fees may be as high as $4,000. Finally, you may require up to $9,000 to order eye-catching signage and up to $12,000 to advertise your grand opening.

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.

How much land do you need to build a golf course?

How to market a golf course?

How can a golf course business increase its revenue?

How many employees are needed to run a golf course?

How do golf courses set themselves apart from other golf courses?

How many golf courses broke even in 2015?

What is the ideal customer for a golf course?

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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 much does it cost to build one hole on a golf course?

The cost per hole can vary from $50,000 to more than $175,000 for some upscale courses.

How much does it cost to invest in a golf course?

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. Building your own golf course, as you can see, is an expensive project.

How many acres do you need for 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 an average golf course?

At 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).

Where do golf courses make their money?

The most common income streams are green fees, membership fees, pro shop sales, and food and beverage sales. While increasing membership fees or green fees might seem like a good way to increase revenue, it might put off more golfers than the additional income earned.

What is the average revenue for a golf course?

According to the National Golf Foundation's 2010 Operating & Financial Performance Profiles of 18-hole golf facilities in the U.S., private 18-hole golf clubs had average total revenue of $3,277,000 in 2009, but with total expenses of $3,204,500.

Is gold a smart investment?

Gold has historically been an excellent hedge against inflation, because its price tends to rise when the cost of living increases. Over the past 50 years investors have seen gold prices soar and the stock market plunge during high-inflation years.

How much land do you need for a pitch and putt?

And the equipment required to play is only two clubs—a lofted iron and a putter. And the space required for an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course averages five or six acres, with each hole generally under 80 yards and some as short as 25 yards.

How much does it cost to make a golf green?

A 100-square-foot green will run between $1,800 and $3,000. Most contractors will charge between $18 and $25 per square foot to turn your lawn into a golfing paradise.”

How do you build a golf hole?

Here's how YOU can build an epic backyard golf hole — with stuff you already own!Pick the perfect cup size. ... Get a second cup that'll fit in the first cup. ... Pick out a flagstick. ... Cut a hole in the smaller cup. ... Dig your hole. ... Assemble your cup. ... Pick a flag. ... Play away!

Who is the most famous golf course designer?

1. Pete Dye. Born into a family of golf course designers, Pete Dye followed in his father's footsteps to become one of the most famous golf architects in the country.

Due to the spread of the coronavirus, is this business essential?

No. Under current guidelines across multiple states, this business is not classified as essential while emergency orders are active.For more inform...

What are the costs involved in opening a golf course?

The costs associated with opening a golf course are significant. The largest upfront expense is usually land, as courses can require 200 acres of l...

What are the ongoing expenses for a golf course?

The ongoing expenses for a golf course business largely consist of maintenance fees for the course and any buildings on the property. In 2016, the...

Who is the target market?

A golf course’s ideal customer is an affluent golfer. Such a person enjoys the sport, and they have the money necessary to go golfing regularly.

How much can you charge customers?

According to Golfweek, most privately owned golf courses charge an average of $40 per round with a cart on the weekend. Weekday prices tend to be s...

How much profit can a golf course make?

In 2015, 69 percent of golf courses broke even (24 percent) or earned a profit (45 percent). The profitability of these courses varies greatly, dep...

How can you make your business more profitable?

Golf course businesses can add additional revenue streams and increase profits by hiring golf pros who offer lessons, putting in a pro shop that se...

Is this Business Right For You?

Anyone who is well-versed in a variety of aspects of business and enjoys golfing themselves may be qualified to run a golf course. It’s important t...

What happens during a typical day at a golf course?

During the golf season, there are lots of day-to-day activities that must be done. A few include: watering and mowing fairways, roughs and greens c...

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful golf course?

Business owners that build a golf course from scratch should be familiar with golf course design. Even if they hire a golf course architect to actu...

Golf Course Resort Business Plan [Sample Template for 2022]

Our golf course and country club is specifically designed and built to take care of standard golf tournaments and individual or group of golfers, we have active childcare services for toddlers and we have membership packages that is highly discounted for families that enrolled with us or groups who would want to make use of our golf course and country club for games, recreations and camping.

How much does it cost to build a golf course? | Top 100 Golf Courses

How much does it cost to build a golf course? 1st December 2008. Development costs rise, but celebrity still sells says KPMG. Golf course development costs rise by 20% The cost of developing an 18-hole golf course has increased by more than 20% in the past three to five years, KPMG Golf Advisory Practice’s latest Golf Course Development Cost Survey for Europe, the Middle East and Africa has ...

How much does it cost to design and build a golf course?

American Society of Golf Course Architects 155 S. Executive Drive, Suite 100, Brookfield WI 53005 Phone: (262) 786-5960 | Fax: (262) 786-5919 | Contact Us ©2022 American Society of Golf Course Architects.

Golf Course Standards and Facilities Guide - Whole Building Design Guide

IRST IMPRESSIONS - good ensure the success of a ones - golf course facility. A person's ini- tial contact with the golf course and clubhouse is the first opportu-

How Much Does It Cost To Operate A Golf Course? - Askcorran

Running a Golf Course is extremely costly. The decreased participation of youngsters in golf is also a problem. As a result, golf courses have had to cut down their maintenance expenses.

How much land do you need to build a golf course?

The costs associated with opening a golf course are significant. The largest upfront expense is usually land, as courses can require 200 acres of land or more. Other major expenses include:

How to market a golf course?

Golf course businesses can be effectively marketed through social media and online advertisements directed at area residents. Pur chasing advertisements on local sports radio stations is another effective way to raise awareness of a course.

How can a golf course business increase its revenue?

Golf course businesses can add additional revenue streams and increase profits by hiring golf pros who offer lessons, putting in a pro shop that sells equipment, installing a driving range adjacent to the course, or having a restaurant on site.

How many employees are needed to run a golf course?

Golf Course Industry reports that the average course’s maintenance staff consists of 17 employees, which includes six year-round employees, ten seasonal employees, and one part-time employee and / or independent contractor for odd jobs. This doesn’t take into account additional employees that are needed to collect course fees, operate restaurants or provide lessons.

How do golf courses set themselves apart from other golf courses?

Golf courses can set themselves apart from other courses in their area by having more challenging holes. Because existing courses usually aren’t able to change their course layouts, this is an opportunity that business owners who do open new courses -- and, therefore, get to design their courses’ holes -- can take advantage of.

How many golf courses broke even in 2015?

In 2015, 69 percent of golf courses broke even (24 percent) or earned a profit (45 percent). The profitability of these courses varies greatly, depending on their location, prestige, fees and amenities. Some just barely broke even on the year, while others brought in sizable profits.

What is the ideal customer for a golf course?

A golf course’s ideal customer is an affluent golfer. Such a person enjoys the sport, and they have the money necessary to go golfing regularly.

Why do golf courses mowing every fairway?

Golf facilities have expansive lands. Mowing every fairway will incur higher labor costs, more fuel consumption, and equipment wear and tear. Some courses switched to the classic half-and-half pattern to minimize expenses on this service. That lowered their expenditures on fairway mowing.

What is roughs in golf?

The roughs take the most significant part of every golf course. They comprise thick grass and vegetation that aren’t maintained regularly as the fairways. However, they ought to be serviced occasionally. Maintenance of roughs is quite challenging.

Is golf course labor competitive?

Labor. The reputation and survival of golf courses always depend on their workforce. Unfortunately, the golf course labor market is highly competitive. Finding competent staff is quite a challenge, and that is why these facilities incur hidden costs. They must invest in their hiring process and training.

Is running a golf course expensive?

Running a Golf Course is extremely costly. The decreased participation of youngsters in golf is also a problem. As a result, golf courses have had to cut down their maintenance expenses. Many organizations are now operating golf courses with lower budgets than their previous plans, eight or ten years ago.

Do golf courses need to have green grass?

This sport essentially requires a lawn covered with healthy green grass. Apart from that, the golf course must safeguard every vegeta tion and tree within the premises. To facilitate their growth, investment in fertilizers is necessary. On the other hand, they must purchase plant protectants to keep diseases at bay.

Estimate costs of labor and materials

One of the greatest things about golf is how affordable it is. A game of golf typically costs between $10 and $50 to play, depending on the pace of play and the course you choose. The same can’t always be said for golf course items and equipment, which can be outrageously expensive.

Construction Costs

One of the most significant costs of any golf course is the construction cost. This encompasses many different parts, the most important being the construction of the course itself. The main ingredients of any golf course are turf and land.

What you Need to maintain a golf Course

Maintaining a golf course is a challenging task for the average person. It requires knowledge, skill and lots of time. The first step in maintaining a golf course is to understand the various aspects of the game. This will help you to know the various tools you need to have and the different tasks that need to be taken care of.

How long does it take to build a golf course?from top100golfcourses.com

Other findings of the report include: • it usually takes four to five years to construct a golf course from concept to realization, although planning permission can take anywhere between a few months, as it often does in the Middle East, to two or three years, in Northern Europe.

How to make a dogleg golf course?from entertainment.howstuffworks.com

Inside the rectangle, place boards at 45-degree angles in the corners to create bumpers. Since the bricks and boards are easy to move, you can change the shape of the outside frame to "dogleg" to the right or left, or twist in multiple directions. If you don't have bricks and boards, a garden hose works in a pinch [source: Carlson ].

Where is the mini golf course in Lake George?from entertainment.howstuffworks.com

And at the Around the World mini golf course in Lake George, N.Y., each hole depicts a different country, including giant pyramid obstacles for Egypt and a tricky "Iron Curtain" blocking the Russian hole. With all those variations, it's no wonder mini golf is a beloved summer pastime for families and couples the world over.

What materials do you need to build a golf course?from entertainment.howstuffworks.com

Dig around the garage for bricks, cinder blocks, wood boards, plywood sheets, buckets, strips of plastic siding — anything that can serve as a barrier, ramp or obstacle [source: Carlson ].

How much does it cost to install a barebones sign?from pdga.com

A barebones installation with light duty baskets, natural tees and simple wooden signs and do-it-yourself design (not recommended) can be installed for about $350 per hole.

How to make a hole for a ball?from entertainment.howstuffworks.com

To make a hole for the ball, use a 3-inch (7.6-centimeter) hole-cutting attachment on a drill, then insert a small section of 3-inch PVC pipe and insert it into the hole as a "cup" [source: This Old House ]. Glue more balusters along the top edges to create walls.

When was mini golf invented?from entertainment.howstuffworks.com

History of Mini Golf. The world's first mini golf course was the Ladies' Putting Club of St. Andrews, Scotland, formed in 1867 and still going strong. At the time, it was taboo for a woman to raise a golf club above her shoulder, so the ladies founded their own private putt-putt society [source: Emory ].

How much did Doyle pay for the golf course?

The $3.8 million Doyle paid for the course, in Florida’s third-biggest market, is slightly more than the average purchase price ($3.1 million) for the 114 golf course sales tracked by Leisure Investment Properties Group last year. And the majority of transactions in the current environment involve first-time buyers, like Doyle.

Where is Gold Canyon Golf Resort?

The Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa is in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona and features two 18-hole courses—Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder—that combine for 64,000 rounds-played annually. The sale includes the salon and spa, three restaurants, 97 casitas and villas, meeting and banquet rooms, and 76 acres of development land along fairways. The entire offering covers approximately 370 acres.

How much is Eagle Marsh?

Price: $4.9 million. Eagle Marsh is a Tommy Fazio-designed public course spread across 256 acres in an affluent, gated community in the heart of the Treasure Coast. The closest golf course to Hutchinson Island and its beaches, it is a premier South Florida golf destination.

How many holes are there in Brick Landing?

The 18-hole course at Brick Landing Plantation, known as “The Brick,” starts and ends along the Intracoastal Waterway and winds through coastal marshes. Located about 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach attractions, this semi-private course offers the benefits of a private club while still being open to the public. The clubhouse, which is less than two miles from the beach, features a locally renowned restaurant called “The View.”

Where did Dan Doyle Jr. play golf?

E very day for almost 20 years, Dan Doyle Jr. passed the same public golf course near Tampa, Fla., while driving his kids to school or heading to the office. The town-owned Belleview Biltmore Golf Club in Bellaire was the venue at which Doyle learned to play the game as a youngster and he’d frequently feel pangs of disappointment ...

When did PGA National Resort and Spa change hands?

PGA National Resort & Spa and its five golf courses previously changed hands in 2006 for $170 million and the property is now up for sale again. Beyond the golf courses, one of which hosts the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, the luxury resort features 339 hotel rooms, a 40,000-square-foot spa, 42,000 square feet of meeting space, restaurants, and has invested $89 million in renovations since the 2006 sale.

Is the golf course market oversupplied?

D o profitable opportunities exist? Yes , but th e reality is that the golf course market is oversupplied, the byproduct of more than 4,000 courses being built from 1986–2005. It’s why course closures have outweighed new course construction for the past decade. While some closures are attributable to mismanagement, too few golfers, or too much competition, this trend has been largely driven by residential and commercial real estate, and the demand for land.

How much does it cost to maintain 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. But of course, it’s also about location, location, location. Hawaii is, on average, the most expensive state in which to maintain a course, at $1.44 million a year. That’s followed by tracks in the southwestern U.S., where the average yearly maintenance cost is $1.05 million. Because they have such a short season, courses in the north central states come in, on average, at a bargain $556,000.

What is the most important thing in a golf course?

The greens. They are the most essential element of any course, but because of labor and equipment they are also the most expensive things to maintain — even if some of our demands are a costly waste. Firm and fast is the golf standard for greens.

How long does it take for a stimpmeter to slow down a golf game?

Every foot of green speed on a stimpmeter slows play by seven minutes per group .

How do private clubs, which carry a bigger tab, spend their money differently?

How do private clubs, which carry a bigger tab, spend their money differently? More people and equipment. They might, for example, hire a horticulturist to handle the landscaping or a fleet of grounds-crew workers whose lone job is to fill fairway divots. Grooming the course of your dreams? That’s a dream-team scenario.

Who is the vice president of Billy Casper Golf?

That’s a question owners ask all the time,” says a weary Bryan Bielecki, vice president of agronomy at Billy Casper Golf, which manages nearly 150 golf courses in the U.S. “You can’t spend less and expect the same exact product. You have to sacrifice something.”.

What do golfers complain about?

As golfers, we complain about the course. Miss a putt and we instinctively touch the green, tamping down a raised ball mark that only our eye can see. Hit it wide off the fairway and we’re likely to comment on the consistency of the rough. Patchy. Burned out. Trampled down. Even if we get to play a U.S. Open–level course like Winged Foot, where the rough is thick and pristine, we’re likely to complain that it’s too thick! And then there are bunkers, where golfers are apt to note that the sand is different from hole to hole. Send it flying over the green? Not a bad swing — no sand in the bunker!

What is a good profit margin for a golf course?

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.

Where do golf courses make the most money?

The most common income streams are green fees, membership fees, pro shop sales, and food and beverage sales. While increasing membership fees or green fees might seem like a good way to increase revenue, it might put off more golfers than the additional income earned.

How do you make money owning a golf course?

Green fee play, memberships, food & beverage, and pro shop sales are the four main levers that can lead to an increase in revenue at a golf course. Of course, within each revenue stream, many specific opportunities exist for golf courses to produce more revenue.

Is investing in a golf course worth it?

Golf course properties typically have great resale value, selling at two to three times that of an average home – which is a magnet for investors.

How does a golf course make money?

Green fee play, memberships, food & beverage, and pro shop sales are the four main levers that can lead to an increase in revenue at a golf course. Of course, within each revenue stream, many specific opportunities exist for golf courses to produce more revenue.

Is golf a good investment?

Golf course properties typically have great resale value, selling at two to three times that of an average home – which is a magnet for investors.

How much does a golf course cost?

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 much does it cost to play 18 holes?

The exact cost may vary by region, but it is typical to charge customers about $5 to $7 to play 18 holes. This pricing makes your business a very competitive alternative to the increasingly pricey activities going out to movies, restaurants, etc.

How to maximize profitability of mini golf?

In order to maximize profitability, be sure to have an advertising presence in logical areas for potential customers, including schools, churches, and local entertainment centers . Try to stay open as many days as possible—major holidays often prove to be big business for mini-golf courses, as people have time off from work and school and are happy to come out and play. Finally, be sure to have a social media presence that heavily features pictures of actual customers and their testimonials, as this will establish the legitimacy of your business within the community.

What is a business structure for miniature golf?

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your miniature golf course is sued.

Is mini golf a business?

The exact growth potential of a mini-golf business varies by area. Nationally, businesses that focus purely on mini-golf have experienced a decline in recent years; however, businesses that have diversified their offerings by including features such as a video arcade typically do quite well, and the affordability of this as an entertainment option remains highly attractive to local residents in many cities.

Can you lease a mini golf course?

Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a mini golf course.

How Many Hours a Day Does a Pro Golfer Practice?

The number of hours per day a pro golfer will practice depends on which stage of the season they’re in, whether or not it’s a tournament week, and if they have any problems they need to work out in their swing.

How Much Practice Does it Take to Become a Pro Golfer?

This intriguing question is one that’s shared by many amateur golfers.

How much land do you need to build a golf course?

The costs associated with opening a golf course are significant. The largest upfront expense is usually land, as courses can require 200 acres of land or more. Other major expenses include:

How to market a golf course?

Golf course businesses can be effectively marketed through social media and online advertisements directed at area residents. Pur chasing advertisements on local sports radio stations is another effective way to raise awareness of a course.

How can a golf course business increase its revenue?

Golf course businesses can add additional revenue streams and increase profits by hiring golf pros who offer lessons, putting in a pro shop that sells equipment, installing a driving range adjacent to the course, or having a restaurant on site.

How many employees are needed to run a golf course?

Golf Course Industry reports that the average course’s maintenance staff consists of 17 employees, which includes six year-round employees, ten seasonal employees, and one part-time employee and / or independent contractor for odd jobs. This doesn’t take into account additional employees that are needed to collect course fees, operate restaurants or provide lessons.

How do golf courses set themselves apart from other golf courses?

Golf courses can set themselves apart from other courses in their area by having more challenging holes. Because existing courses usually aren’t able to change their course layouts, this is an opportunity that business owners who do open new courses -- and, therefore, get to design their courses’ holes -- can take advantage of.

How many golf courses broke even in 2015?

In 2015, 69 percent of golf courses broke even (24 percent) or earned a profit (45 percent). The profitability of these courses varies greatly, depending on their location, prestige, fees and amenities. Some just barely broke even on the year, while others brought in sizable profits.

What is the ideal customer for a golf course?

A golf course’s ideal customer is an affluent golfer. Such a person enjoys the sport, and they have the money necessary to go golfing regularly.