Golf course design is essential for creating a luxury experience for players and incorporating design elements that save money and resources as well. Some of the key features of golf course design include water flow and drainage, grass selection, environmental friendliness, and more.
Golf is still one of the most popular sports in the United States. The National Golf Foundation reports that nearly 50 million people played golf, in some form, in 2025. Approximately 136 million played or consumed golf in some way, whether through an informal experience or watching it on television, highlighting the importance of golf course design in American culture.
How to Design a Golf Course?
At first, designing a golf course may seem daunting. After all, landscapers must take a large swath of land and transform it into a beautiful, immersive experience, all while following course guidelines and ensuring that players can navigate smoothly from one hole to the next.
First, designers must evaluate the land and create the big-picture scenario. Then, details come, with elements such as greens and playability as important factors for the overall function of the course.
Accessibility is also important. Many Americans suffer from disabilities, both visible and invisible, so inclusive elements ensure that all players can have a good time during the game of golf, not just those who are able-bodied.
How Many Acres Is an 18-Hole Golf Course?
It depends on the type of course. However, the American Society of Golf Course Architects says that a full-size course would need anywhere from 120 to 200 acres.
Full championship courses differ greatly in size from compact courses. Areas where golf experts need to practice for lower pars, for instance, can get away with smaller acreage, while practicing a full run-through for a tournament typically requires a standard-sized golf course for a more accurate experience.
How Does Golf Course Design Influence Upkeep?
When considering golf course design, maintenance is an important factor. The time and cost of maintenance can significantly impact upkeep. Here are some of the main design elements to consider when planning a golf course.
Managing Water Flow and Drainage
Water features are beautiful, but they need to be contained to prevent flooding. Naturally greener areas often have higher rainfall, so slope grading is important to guide water in the right direction and drain effectively.
Waterways such as streams need functional ways for players to cross, like pedestrian bridges. If you need more info about designs for pedestrian bridges, it may be better to work with a specialist to ensure that you choose a reliable model that looks and feels best with your golf course.
Selecting the Right Type of Grass
When you walk onto a golf course, all you can see is green grass. However, grass choice can drastically influence upkeep for your golf course. The two main types of grass are warm-season grass, for warmer climates, and cool-season grass, for areas with lower temperatures.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Solutions
Many golf courses face criticism for water and land usage, so environmental friendliness is essential in golf course design. Using reclaimed water and finding sustainable turf solutions will help keep the sport accessible and lower costs, along with making the course more palatable to eco-conscious members of the community.
Determining the Course Acreage
The course size depends on the purpose. Special training courses often require lower acreage, while full-sized courses for recreational enjoyment span hundreds of acres.
Picking the Correct Location
You may need to work within close confines for location, due to existing clubhouses or structures. Brand-new golf courses often have more freedom with design. However, you still need to consider elements such as local topography and water flows.
Using Underground Elements
Much of the appeal of golf courses is that many of the mechanical elements remain hidden. Underground drainage systems allow players to use the course uninterrupted. Advanced systems can even distribute excess water from some areas to other parts of the course that need it more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Latest Trends in Golf Course Design?
Like every element of landscaping and architecture, golf course designs are always changing. What may have seemed revolutionary 20 years ago is now viewed as worn and outdated, making it essential for golf course builders to keep up with the latest trends to maintain membership and provide a premier experience for players.
One key difference is the construction of sand pits. Rather than bringing in outside sand for these elements, designers are using more natural filler and opting for areas that already have a native sand source.
Incorporating native foliage and plant life is also a growing trend. Plants that thrive in the area generally require less upkeep and water, making them a more cost-effective choice over time. Elements that are natural to that area also make each golf course a unique experience and add visual appeal.
Are New Golf Courses Being Built?
Yes. Golf continues to dominate as a sport, and more golf courses are under construction to accommodate growing interest. Since golf is a popular sport amongst retirees, many courses are constructed in popular retirement areas. Traditional retirement hubs like Florida and Arizona are changing, and therefore, the retirement market influences where new golf courses are built to some degree.
Why Are So Many Golf Courses Closing?
While golf is not slowing down in popularity, changing needs continue to lead to golf course closures. The massive golfing boom in the last few decades is leveling off, and an oversupply of courses means that there are too many courses for players.
Land used for golf courses sometimes has more attractive uses, such as for real estate development. Additionally, areas with higher course maintenance costs may benefit from closing and investing those funds into more cost-effective alternatives.
Consider Property Renovation for Your Golf Course
Golf course design is about more than creating a beautiful place to play a popular sport. It involves careful review of every design element to ensure that players have a safe experience and that the course itself is worth its cost in the long run.
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