why it is not a good idea to build golf course

by Eden Ebert 8 min read

What are the limitations of building a golf course?

Common limitations - the common limitations which restrict golf course development are: Steep slopes – these often lead to extensive earthworks to make them suitable Flat sites – these may require considerable earth movement to facilitate surface drainage and to create fill material to build features

How much does it cost to build a golf course?

Building a golf course from scratch costs between $7 and $15 million – not including the price of land. That means if you still need to buy the land for your course, you could be looking at paying even more than that. But that doesn’t mean that building a golf course is a bad idea. You may still be able to turn a profit by doing so.

Is owning a home on a golf course a good idea?

One of the benefits of owning a home on a golf course is that many people believe that owning a home located on a golf course is prestigious. One of the top 100 private country clubs in the country is Oak Hill Country Club which is located in Pittsford NY, a bedroom community of Rochester.

What are the pros and cons of buying a golf course property?

Pro: Unless the course has lights, golfers can’t golf after dark. Therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy quiet evenings on your deck or patio. Con: Pay attention to the house location in relation to the course layout. Things can get noisy if the home is very close to the course. This is especially true if the house borders a tee box or cart path.

Which golf courses are worth more than anything else?

What are the most expensive areas to operate a golf course?

Is $100 a good tee time?

Can a bank finance a golf course?

Is buying a golf course a real estate transaction?

Is buying a golf course a profitable business?

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About this website

Is building a golf course a good investment?

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.

Why are golf courses bad for the environment?

Environmentalists argue that golf course land is not only a waste of space, but also harbors harmful impacts to the earth and environment, such as pesticide use. This negative impact occurs by using large quantities of water and destroying habitats for wildlife species.

Are golf courses good or bad for the environment?

Golf courses offer numerous opportunities to not only provide pleasant places to play, but also to protect drinking water, improve the water quality of on-site and surrounding lakes, streams, and rivers, support a variety of plants and wildlife, and protect the environment for future generations.

Are golf courses polluting?

The average golf course uses 312 gallons of water per day for maintenance of the grounds. As this water flows through the property, it can pick up contaminants such as petroleum, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Are golf courses a waste of land?

Golf is Bad for the Environment The average golf course requires around 150 acres of land.

Are golf courses wasting water?

In California, an average 18-hole golf course sprawls over 110 to 115 acres and conservatively uses almost 90 million gallons of water per year, enough to fill 136 Olympic-size swimming pools, said Mike Huck, a water management consultant who works with golf courses statewide.

Are golf courses good for nature?

The second, a US study of 135 golf courses in Minnesota, found that they offer major benefits to their local environment, particularly surrounding temperatures, pollinating, retaining stormwater nutrients and biodiversity.

Are golf courses good for wildlife?

1) Golf Course Roughs And Trees Create Good Wildlife Habitat More than 70 percent of most golf courses are rough and non-play areas including natural grasses, trees and shrubs. Combined with the open areas of fairways and greens, the golf course is an attractive wildlife habitat.

How will climate change affect golf?

Unpredictable weather will make it harder to manage and maintain courses. In some areas of the world this may be due to drought and water scarcity, while in others it may be rain and storms. Already some links courses are facing physical incursions on to the course due to coastal erosion.

How wasteful is golf?

Over 9 billion litres of water are wasted in the US each year to maintain the appearance of golf courses. In Thailand a single golf course uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers, just so rich tourists can play the same game they play at home but with a Mai Tai.

How can you make golf more sustainable?

Increase the biodiversity of your golf course.Limit your use of pesticides.Source food from local providers.Reduce water usage.Invest in better waste management.Le Golf National: A real-world example of a sustainable golf course.Equip your golf course with smarter tools.

Why do golf courses use pesticides?

The Pesticide Specialist explained that pesticides are used on golf courses and other recreational areas to maintain the health and appearance of the turf. James learned that most golf courses have highly trained golf course superintendents who manage the course, including turf management and pest control strategies.

Are golf courses good for nature?

The second, a US study of 135 golf courses in Minnesota, found that they offer major benefits to their local environment, particularly surrounding temperatures, pollinating, retaining stormwater nutrients and biodiversity.

Are golf courses good for wildlife?

1) Golf Course Roughs And Trees Create Good Wildlife Habitat More than 70 percent of most golf courses are rough and non-play areas including natural grasses, trees and shrubs. Combined with the open areas of fairways and greens, the golf course is an attractive wildlife habitat.

Why are golf courses bad for the environment Reddit?

Golf courses are essentially a huge monoculture of grass and they carry the burden of pesticides and herbicides to match.

Do golf courses use gray water?

Golf courses require gray water to meet their irrigation needs, and some maintenance professionals still use potable sources for watering. Gray water is non-potable and partially filtered to remove impurities.

What are the benefits of living in a golf community?

One of the top benefits (or detriments, depending on if you are the buyer or the seller) of living in a golfing community is the higher level of property value, property quality and demand.

What golf courses are zoned for schools in Texas?

Residents living in golf course communities surrounding such courses/clubs as Timarron, Craig Ranch, Stonebriar, Stonebridge Ranch, Heritage Ranch, Dallas Country Club, Gleneagles, Twin Creeks and Canyon Creek are zoned to school districts in the Top 10 in the Student Achievement Index and the College Readiness Index, indices used by the Texas Education Agency to measure student progress and knowledge during school and through graduation.

What is intent in a golf case?

In most cases such as this, intent is the key word (after locating the golfers responsible, of course). In many such cases, the plaintiff must prove that the golfer intentionally hit their ball into a homeowner’s property.

When did golf balls cause a lawsuit?

A court case in the early 1990s illustrates perfectly the difficulties homeowners have in recouping damages caused by golf balls. In 1992, three homeowners on the sixth hole of the Gold Course at Dallas Athletic Club filed suit after stray golf balls damaged their homes and vehicles.

Is safety important on a golf course?

Safety is obviously one of the top priorities and concerns for anyone living in a golf course community, especially those who live on the course. And no, we aren’t talking about robberies, stolen identities or street crimes. We are talking about safety from flying projectiles, especially those of the round, white, dimpled variety. Depending on where you live on a golf course, your home can be at real risk of be pummeled with the occasional (or the consistent) wayward golf ball. Broken windows, dimpled roofs and battered windshields can be a regular occurrence for the golf course homeowner.

Is it better to live on a golf course or in a community?

Beyond the obvious point of living either on, near or adjacent to a golf course, living in a golf course community comes with some distinct advantages. Heightened and stable property values aside (which we will discuss later), golf course communities are often zones to highly rated school districts and located in close proximity to bustling restaurant/grocery/entertainment hubs.

Is it good to live on a golf course?

There are so many wonderful advantages to living on a golf course or in a golf course community – from the high property values and quality school districts that usually are nearby, to the other community amenities and golf at your fingertips, living on a golf course is living the dream. Of course, it isn’t always fun and games, ...

How Much Land Do You Need For a Golf Course?

If you want to build an 18-hole course, you need between 100 and 200 acres of land to do so. The price for this will depend on the state that you’re located in.

How Much Does It Cost to Convert Land Into a Golf Course?

This is the most expensive part of building a golf course. It takes a lot of work to turn raw land into an enjoyable golf course.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Golf Course Clubhouse?

If you’re building a golf course, you also want somewhere for players to relax in-between holes. That’s why it’s important to budget for building a clubhouse in addition to your course.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Golf Course?

If you’re going to spend millions of dollars on a golf course, it’s important to have realistic expectations for how long it’ll take.

How Long Does It Take to Get Permits For a Golf Course?

Another thing that you might not have considered is that you need permits to start a golf course. This can be a lengthy process.

Are Golf Courses Profitable?

If you’re going to spend millions making a golf course, you also want to make sure that doing so will be profitable. Otherwise, you could lose more money than you make in the long run.

How to Finance a Golf Course

Depending on your financial situation, you may need help paying to build a golf course. If so, you could qualify for financing.

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.

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 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 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.

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:

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.

1.Promotes a healthy lifestyle

A backyard golf course can be a good way to improve your lifestyle. Instead of watching TV the whole day and engaging in social media pages the whole day, it would be better to play golf in your backyard. This is a healthy way to bring the whole family together and keep everyone happy.

2.It is easy to play and follow the game

Another advantage of the backyard golf course is that everyone can use it to play golf without the need for any training. Participants can play the game right away without the need to be taught the game. The fact that the golf holes are near and the balls are big means it is easy for all.

3.Good for the body and mind

Playing backyard golf helps one to move around as they play the game. This can be relaxing and the constant movement makes one busy and physically engaged throughout. It is not a wonder if one can move a whole two to three miles in 2 hours. It is also good for your mind and brain. Remember one has to be focused for them to target holes.

4.It is a great outdoor experience for elderly people and the kids

If you have some elderly people and kids in your home, these can spend a lot of their time outdoors playing backyard golf. This is a good way to keep them busy and make their outdoor hours happy. This is fun and a good way to relax the body. The elderly people can be rejuvenated by evening walks and playing golf outdoors.

What Are The PROs Of Buying A Home On A Golf Course?

If you’re thinking about buying a home that’s located on a golf course, there are some very nice perks. Below are some of the top benefits of buying a house that’s situated on a golf course.

What are the biggest fears of homeowners who live on a golf course?

One of the biggest fears of homeowners who live on a golf course are those wayward golf shots from the golfers. Imagine, you’re sitting in your kitchen enjoying your morning cup of coffee and next thing you know, you hear a loud crash through your beautiful picture window from a wayward golf shot. Doesn’t sound like much fun does it?

What factors are taken into consideration when determining the market value of a home?

As a real estate professional is determining the market value of a home, one of the factors they take into consideration is location. Homes that are situated on a golf course are not for everyone, so this reduces the potential number of buyers.

Is Rochester NY a good golf city?

The Greater Rochester NY area is known as one of the best golf cities in the United States. As a Rochester NY real estate agent , anytime a buyer is considering the purchase of a home that’s located on a golf course, I recommend they evaluate and weigh all the PROs and CONs.

Is a golf course beautiful?

In addition to the increased probability of well manicured surroundings, many golf courses are simply beautiful. Whether it’s a golf course with a pond and fountain or mature, tree-lined fairways, the surroundings of a golf course homes can be breathtaking.

Do golf carts make noise?

If the motorized golf carts are gas powered, a buyer will also have to deal with the noise from them. If the golf carts are not gas powered, there may not be noise to deal with but the potential of people driving a golf cart into a homes backyard exists.

Is a golf course a home association?

Another CON of buying a home on a golf course is that many golf course homes are a part of a homeowners association. This means that a buyer will be subject to specific rules and also potentially additional monthly, quarterly, or annual fees.

What is golf course known for?

Golf courses are known for their lush and well maintained greens. Con: Courses are typically mowed very early in the morning, which some people may enjoy watching while sipping their morning coffee. If you’re not a morning person, check out the location of the master bedroom.

What are the pros and cons of tournaments?

Con: Large tournaments attract large crowds. A quick trip to the grocery store on tournament day may find you contending with hours of traffic.

What does a clubhouse do?

If the community has a clubhouse, this often means community events and get-togethers throughout the year. These social events can help you get to know your neighbors – an added benefit, if you’ll be new to the area.

Do golf courses have membership rates?

Pro: Golf courses sometimes offer special course membership rates to homeowners in the community. Neighborhoods often have other amenities such as tennis, pickleball or a club house. (Understand the rules and restrictions of facility usage, as some amenities may require an additional fee.)

Can a golf ball land on your car?

Con: A n airborne golf ball landing on you, your car or your home is a definite possibility. If you’re especially concerned about dealing with broken windows and ball damage, search for a home further away from the fairways. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you have the right insurance in place. Your homeowners insurance typically covers ...

Can you play golf in the dark on Erie?

2. Noise. Pro: Unless the course has lights, golfers can’t golf after dark. Therefore, you’ll be able to enjoy quiet evenings on your deck or patio.

Can you watch golf tournaments?

Ask for the course’s tournament schedule. You won’t have to fight for prime viewing spots, and will be able to watch the foursomes pass right by your backyard.

Which golf courses are worth more than anything else?

There are a few exceptions. “There are two golf courses in the world that are worth more as a course than anything else,” Woolson says. “Augusta and St. Andrews. Most are rarely worth anything close. Cypress Point? Think of the homes you could put on that!”

What are the most expensive areas to operate a golf course?

Golf course pros look at added issues that separate courses from other types of real estate. One owner with courses in California and Mexico — among the most expensive areas to operate a golf course, given the climate — says when he looks at a new course, he thinks what could break and need costly repairs over the next three years.

Is $100 a good tee time?

A $100 tee time in the evening could be way more profitable than a $200 tee time in the middle of a time slot when a company wants to host a large and profitable corporate outing.

Can a bank finance a golf course?

Given the risk of operating a golf course profitably, there are not many lenders — and few traditional bank lenders — willing to finance the purchase of a golf course, particularly by a first-time owner.

Is buying a golf course a real estate transaction?

While buying a golf course is a real estate transaction, golf courses aren’t like traditional real estate. “Golf is a business opportunity attached to a piece of land if the land has no other use,” says Jeff Woolson, managing director of CBRE’s Golf & Resort Group.

Is buying a golf course a profitable business?

Buying a golf course is often a passion play. But with the right business savvy, it can also be a profitable enterprise.

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Feasibility Studies

Design Concept

Masterplan

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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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 …
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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…
See more on eigca.org