How Long Does It Take to Build a Golf Course

Building a golf course is a complex project that requires a significant amount of time, planning, and resources. The time it takes to build a golf course can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the course, the terrain, environmental factors, and the level of customization desired by the developer. In this article, we will discuss the various stages of building a golf course and provide an estimate of the time it takes to complete each phase.

  1. Planning and Design

Before any construction can begin, a golf course must first be planned and designed. This stage typically takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months, as it involves extensive research, site visits, and collaboration between the developer, architects, and engineers. The team will consider factors such as environmental impact, course layout, and water management to create a design that meets the needs of the future golfers and the surrounding community.

  1. Permitting and Approvals

Once the design is finalized, the project team must obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local, regional, and federal agencies. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months, depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of the project. Environmental permits, zoning approvals, and other permissions are essential to ensure the golf course complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

  1. Earthwork and Grading

The actual construction of a golf course begins with earthwork and grading. This phase, which involves moving and leveling soil, can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months. The timeline largely depends on factors such as the size of the course, the complexity of the terrain, and the presence of any environmental constraints such as wetlands or protected habitats.

  1. Irrigation and Drainage Installation

Proper irrigation and drainage systems are crucial for maintaining the health of the turf and the playability of the course. Installing these systems typically takes about 2 to 4 months, depending on the size and complexity of the course. This stage may require the installation of pumps, pipes, sprinklers, and drainage channels to ensure the golf course remains in optimal condition.

  1. Turf Establishment

Planting and establishing the turf for the golf course is a critical step in the construction process. Depending on the type of grass being used and the climate, this stage can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months. During this time, the turf must be carefully maintained and monitored to ensure proper growth and establishment before the course can be opened for play.

  1. Landscaping and Amenities

The final stage in building a golf course involves landscaping and installing amenities such as cart paths, clubhouses, restrooms, and signage. This phase typically takes 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on the level of customization and the scale of the project.

 

Time taken for planning and approvals for building a golf course

Golf CourseLocationPlanning PermitsEnvironmental PermitsConstruction Permits
Pebble Beach California3 years2 years1 year
Augusta NationalGeorgia2 years1 year1 year
St Andrews LinksScotland2 years1 year1 year
TPC SawgrassFlorida2 years1 year1 year
Bandon DunesOregon2 years1 year1 year
Whistling StraitsWisconsin2 years1 year1 year
Bethpage BlackNew York3 years2 years1 year
Kiawah IslandSouth Carolina2 years1 year1 year
Merion Golf ClubPennsylvania3 years2 years1 year
Oakmont Country ClubPennsylvania3 years2 years1 year

Time taken for clearing and grading a golf course

Golf CourseLocationClearingGradingSoil PreparationDrainage
Pebble BeachCalifornia2 years1 year1 year1 year
Augusta NationalGeorgia1 year1 year1 year1 year
St Andrews LinksScotland2 years1 year1 year1 year
TPC SawgrassFlorida1 year1 year1 year1 year
Bandon DunesOregon2 years1 year1 year1 year
Whistling StraitsWisconsin1 year1 year1 year1 year
Bethpage BlackNew York2 years1 year1 year1 year
Kiawah IslandSouth Carolina1 year1 year1 year1 year
Merion Golf ClubPennsylvania2 years1 year1 year1 year
Oakmont Country ClubPennsylvania2 years1 year1 year1 year

Time taken for irrigation and grassing a golf course

Golf CourseLocationIrrigation SystemGrass PlantingGrowing-in
Pebble BeachCalifornia1 year1 year1 year
Augusta NationalGeorgia1 year1 year1 year
St Andrews LinksScotland1 year1 year1 year
TPC SawgrassFlorida1 year1 year1 year
Bandon DunesOregon1 year1 year1 year
Whistling StraitsWisconsin1 year1 year1 year
Bethpage BlackNew York1 year1 year1 year
Kiawah IslandSouth Carolina1 year1 year1 year
Merion Golf ClubPennsylvania1 year1 year1 year

Time taken for construction of golf course facilities

Golf CourseLocationClubhousePro ShopMaintenance FacilityPractice RangeCart Paths
Pebble BeachCalifornia1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Augusta NationalGeorgia1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
St Andrews LinksScotland1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
TPC SawgrassFlorida1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Bandon DunesOregon1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Whistling StraitsWisconsin1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Bethpage BlackNew York1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Kiawah IslandSouth Carolina1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Merion Golf ClubPennsylvania1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year
Oakmont Country ClubPennsylvania1 year1 year1 year1 year1 year

Total time taken for building a golf course

Golf CourseLocationTotal Time
Pebble BeachCalifornia8 years
Augusta NationalGeorgia7 years
St Andrews LinksScotland7 years
TPC SawgrassFlorida6 years
Bandon DunesOregon7 years
Whistling StraitsWisconsin6 years
Bethpage BlackNew York8 years
Kiawah IslandSouth Carolina6 years
Merion Golf ClubPennsylvania8 years
Oakmont Country ClubPennsylvania8 years

Conclusion

In summary, the time it takes to build a golf course can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and the factors mentioned above. On average, building a golf course takes approximately 2 to 3 years from the initial planning and design stages through the completion of construction and landscaping. However, larger or more complex projects can take even longer, with some high-end courses taking up to 5 years or more to complete.

Author

    by
  • Ray Barnes

    Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.

    View all posts

Leave a Comment