what do i need to make a golf course

by Ellsworth Bechtelar MD 8 min read

What does it take to make a golf course?

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.Apr 14, 2022

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

Golf courses require anywhere from 100 to 200 acres of land for an 18 hole championship course. The size of 18-hole golf courses can vary, sometimes drastically, but most courses are between 5,000 and 7,000 yards. But that's just the distance from hole to hole.

Is a golf course profitable?

Value creation, just like any other real estate deal, is the name of the game when you invest in a golf course. It's a tough business; 1% to 2% of golf courses close each year, while 25% of them don't turn a profit.Dec 21, 2021

How do you build a backyard golf course?

3:4610:03I built a backyard golf course for under $100! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put it all together have some foam balls you know hitting mat because the yards a little muddyMoreAnd put it all together have some foam balls you know hitting mat because the yards a little muddy right now but there is some grass some good spots.

Is golf course property 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.

Is there a par 6 in golf?

The United States Golf Association defines a par 6 as any hole longer than 670 yards for men and 570 for women, although we all know that par is a very arbitrary number. Some championship courses are happy to keep holes longer than 700 yards as par 5s from the tips.Jan 11, 2021

How much money does the average golf course make?

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.Aug 16, 2018

How can I practice golf for free?

Here are 4 ways you can play golf for free:Promote the golf course on Instagram.Retrieve and donate golf balls to the golf course.Work part-time at the golf course.Become a golf instructor at the golf course.

Do golf course owners make 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 put golf holes in your backyard?

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!Mar 19, 2020

What kind of mower is used for golf greens?

reel mowerThe best type of mower to produce golf course quality turf in your home lawn is a reel mower. A reel mower uses a reel and a bedknife to cut the blades of grass like a pair of scissors, unlike a rotary mower which typically has a single blade with a sharpened edge spinning at high velocity that doesn't cut as cleanly.

How do I make a golf hole in my garden?

How to build your own putting greenStep 1: Choose a location. The first thing to do is to choose a good location for your green. ... Step 2: Get the soil ready. ... Step 3: Add drainage. ... Step 4: Separate the green. ... Step 5: Place the hole. ... Step 6: Plant your seeds. ... Step 7: Fertilise, water, mow, repeat. ... Step 8: Finishing touches.Aug 21, 2017

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...

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. One professional group estimates that it will cost between $15,000 t...

What are the ongoing expenses for a miniature golf course?

The good news is that after the initial expenses to open a course, the ongoing expenses are relatively minor. Some of the costs will vary by busine...

Who is the target market?

In general, your best clients will be families. This is because the parents will help to control the behavior of children (which will not be true o...

How much can you charge customers?

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 c...

How much profit can a miniature golf course make?

The exact amount of profit your business makes greatly depends on the region as well as what the local entertainment competition is. However, the r...

How can you make your business more profitable?

In order to maximize profitability, be sure to have an advertising presence in logical areas for potential customers, including schools, churches,...

Is this Business Right For You?

This job is definitely for someone who is enthusiastic about mini-golf. This helps you to not only enjoy your job but to facilitate minor repairs a...

What happens during a typical day at a miniature golf course?

The daily activities for a mini-golf business are pretty simple. You will be talking to customers, taking their payment, providing them with equipm...

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

Prior experience working at a mini-golf business or other type of recreational center can be helpful to in starting this business. Similarly, being...

What is the growth potential for a miniature golf course?

The exact growth potential of a mini-golf business varies by area. Nationally, businesses that focus purely on mini-golf have experienced a decline...

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.

What is a CO in golf?

A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met. If you plan to lease a location: It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO. Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a golf course.

What is net 30?

The term "net-30," which is popular among vendors, refers to a business credit arrangement where the company pays the vendor within 30 days of receiving goods or services. Net-30 credit terms are often used for businesses that need to obtain inventory quickly but do not have the cash on hand.

Why is it important to record expenses?

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

What is a strong brand?

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

Why is it important to have a clear plan?

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

How to grow a golf course?

The cost of a business doesn’t stop after you acquire it. If you want your golf course to grow, you’ll need to constantly invest into it. Customers will keep coming back to your facility if you provide them with the best experience possible, but to do that you’ll need to put your money towards things including: 1 Course maintenance 2 Your online presence 3 Staffing 4 Management tools 5 Marketing 6 Maintenance of your buildings (upkeep and cleanliness) 7 Adding practice facilities, simulators, games 8 Inventory 9 Events

What to expect when buying a golf course?

When you buy a golf course, there’s a good chance that you’ll acquire a lot of the customers that the previous management had gained. That being said, you’ll want to bring improvements to the operation that will impress both new visitors and seasoned guests. Once you give them an amazing first experience, you’ll need to keep people engaged with your company to keep them coming back over and over again.

Why do businesses need to worry about where they're located?

A golf course needs to be close to as many current and prospective golfers as possible so it can take its share of the largest possible market, without being in an area that is too competitive to stand a chance. To pick a location, you’ll need to look at a number of factors, including:

What do golf professionals need to know?

The golf professionals you hire need to not only have an in-depth understanding of the sport but also have amazing teaching skills. Offering lessons for kids and groups will introduce a family environment to your operation, create long-lasting customer relationships, and grow the game as a whole. 3.

Can you build a golf course with food sales?

Buying an existing golf course usually means that buildings will already be in place on the property. However, you can always build a new clubhouse or expand any current buildings if there’s a large enough market to drive enough revenue.

What happens if a golf course is up for sale?

If a golf course is up for sale, chances are that it wasn’t making a lot of profit. This doesn’t mean that you can’t breathe new life into the operation, however. With clever marketing, you can retain any previous customers while targeting new segments of golfers and growing your sales. Data analytics are crucial as they’ll keep you on top of what’s happening and give you insights into customer behaviour.

Is it cheaper to buy a golf course or build one?

Buying an existing golf course is often less expensive than building one from scratch, but you need to carefully evaluate the design of the course and its systems. If the previous owner decided to cut costs on important areas, you might be the one to take the financial hit.

What is a CO for mini golf?

Miniature Golf Courses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

What are the best resources for entrepreneurs?

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need. Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Why is it important to have a clear plan?

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What is net 30?

The term "net-30," which is popular among vendors, refers to a business credit arrangement where the company pays the vendor within 30 days of receiving goods or services. Net-30 credit terms are often used for businesses that need to obtain inventory quickly but do not have the cash on hand.

How to play music in public?

In order to play music in a public setting, permission must be acquired from the composer or license holder. Typically, it is possible to obtain a “blanket” license allowing a businesses to play music owned by a large catalog of artists and recording studios. Such licenses can be obtained from Performance Rights Organizations, such as ASCAP and BMI.

Why is it important to record expenses?

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Why do businesses need insurance?

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss. There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks.

How do golf courses make money?

Golf courses make a large portion of their revenue from events, tournaments, and contests. Spend time with your team organizing various events throughout the year. Market your business for charity events, marriages, corporate outings, and local tournaments.

Why is social media important for golf?

Social media is vital for any business, but particularly for golf courses. Show off your new clubhouse, redesigned greens, or perfect maintenance. Golf courses can also allow booking on social media platforms so users can reserve a tee time in a variety of convenient ways.

Why is online tee time important?

Online tee time booking is more important than ever. The vast majority of golfers prefer to book online and it saves your clubhouse and pro shop attendants time on the phone. A great online booking system will be more convenient for both you and your players.

Is it important to manage online reviews?

In addition to your social media accounts, managing your online reviews is even more critical. More and more consumers are relying on online reviews to make purchase decisions. This is certainly the case for golfers.

What is a small tech investment?

A smaller tech investment is creating a simple proprietary mobile application. Many golf courses are adding their own branded app that regular golfers can use for making tee times, ordering food, checking in, and more. It adds to your overall branding and encourages players to book through you again, instead of third-party websites or apps.

What is text based marketing?

Text-based marketing is becoming more and more common. Use it to market new amenities, discounts, events, or retail products. You can even attach QR codes through text links that customers can redeem on location.

How many holes are there in Brick Landing Plantation?

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.

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 acres are there in a disc golf course?

According to estimation, the average acreage of an 18 hole disc golf course is 150 acres. In 150 acres, 31 for fairways, and 51 acres for rough land. However, if you have decided on a 9-hole disc golf course, it will require less acreage. Q.

What is the biggest disc golf course in the world?

The Mission Hills Shenzhen is the biggest disc golf course in the world. It is a golf resort of 18-holes and a twelve-course. The course is located between Dongguan and Shenzhen. This disc golf course was recorded in the Guinness world record in 2004.

Can you play disc golf at home?

For playing at the daily level, you can mark targets and sign directions in the backyard of your home. You may need to clear some areas out also for a home disc golf course. However, the result is beneficial.

Is disc golf a popular game?

Disc golf is one of the most popular games that is growing rapidly. Thousands of professional players and people play disc golf with their friends and family in their spare time. Without a doubt, it is a very joyful and full of enjoyment game. Every age and every skill level player can play this game.

Can you build a disc golf course?

With a little effort and resources, you can build your disc golf course. Making a disc golf course is not only an economically friendly step, but it also has a financial benefit . The process will take a little time; however, the results will be beneficial in the end. There are hundreds of examples where people started their disc golf course ...

How many disc golf courses are there in the world?

How to Build a Disc Golf Course? Newbie’s Guide. Disc golf may be one of the most underappreciated outdoor sports, with only 8,854 disc golf courses existing around the world (6,652 in the USA). A lot of this underappreciation comes from disc golf not having been commercialized and marketed heavily, like regular golf.

What are the different types of discs used in disc golf?

They are designed keeping in mind the need for accuracy, control, and also speed. These discs come in several types, each shaped for a different throw or end result. The three main types of discs are putters, drivers, and mid-range discs.

How many holes are there in disc golf?

A disc golf course will usually have 9 or 18 holes (the baskets). Sometimes, there will be any other number of holes, but it is usually one that is divisible by 3. A distance of at least 100 feet between holes is recommended, and this distance can be varied from one hole to the next in order to make the play more challenging.

Can you play disc golf in your backyard?

If you own the equipment (a basket and discs), you could even play disc golf discs in your own backyard. However, disc golf is a rewarding enough sport that putting in the resources and effort to build a lengthy course will be worth it. Hopefully, this article has provided you with enough information to get on it yourself.

What are the different types of discs?

The three main types of discs are putters, drivers, and mid-range discs. Which disc you use depends on your expertise as a disc golfer as well as the speed or range you are going for, to make a particular throw. For instance, mid-range discs are good for beginners, as they are easier to throw.

Is disc golf a commercial sport?

Disc golf may not be as well-known as some other more commercialized sports, but it still provides the player with an adrenaline high like any other. It is also relatively easy to set up and play.

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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 requireme…
  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 …
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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…
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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…
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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 …
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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…
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