I want build a golf course...advice please

[MunkeyGolfer]

I have always wanted to design a course. The price tag discouraged me though. I think it would be fun to do the layout

[SaltyDog]

Well this won't work out. I finally spoke with the company selling the land - and
it's 14 million for @145 acres, but the land itself is 20-25% marshy wetlands. That is a problem in this area....

I'll keep my eye out, but I wanted to say thanks to everybody for the links, advice, and encouragement. Much appreciated.
To be continued, hopefully

[Dent]

Well this won't work out. I finally spoke with the company selling the land - and

Wow thats a huge bummer. Keep your eye out, something will pop up!

[Trevor07Silvy]

I'd love to major in Golf Course Architecture/Design. I'm really considering this as I am going into my 3rd year of college.

[SaltyDog]

Thanks dent, i hope so

silvy - that sounds very cool, did not know you could major in that

[AmenCorner]

Thanks dent, i hope so

Go online and look for "business brokers" or "businesses for sale." In this real estate market I guarantee you can find a development for sale that someone needs to get out of. I was looking for another business (unrelated) the other day and stumbled on a golf course development for sale in NC the other day. Not sure how close you want the course to be, but they are out there.

[roverT7]

I'd say you missed the boat on this by about 15 years. Just like all of the ~22y.o.'ds getting their real estate licenses right now with dreams of easy $$$, you'd be catching a "falling knife". There are too many courses as it is now. Within 60 miles of where I am sitting, I can think of 12 public courses and twice that many private courses. I can also think of 3 of those that are in dire financial straights, and I would think I could guess the next 6 that will follow. Now consider the fact that water resources are only going to become more scarce...I don't think you want to be in the golf course business right now.

Your best bet would be wait ~6-10 years for more and more courses to shut down, do a ton of research in the interim, and then cherry pick the best course(es) to buy on the cheap.

FYI...the course that's done the best around here has really upset the local market. A nationwide development company came in and bought a struggling course, did some minor work on it, and built apartments on site. If you rent an apartment, you play free. Or you can join for 2 years and get a free set of new clubs as a bonus. Their business model is killing everyone else's traditional model.

And most importantly....if you are really going to get in to this, do not use your own money! Find affluent investors, have them sign investment agreements limiting your liability, work your a@@ off, and then sleep well at night regardless of how it turns out.

Good luck,

Rob

[Dent]

There are too many courses as it is now.

There is no such thing.

[AmenCorner]

AS much as I would like to build a golf course, I wouldn't do it unless I was willing to lose the investment. As much real estate as it requires, the financial part is just really tough to work out.

I think the only way to make a small fortune in the golf business is to start with a large one.