Golf Course Development: Costs, Stages, and Timeline

Golf course development turns raw land into a complete golf facility. If you're running the construction project, you're handling design, permits, budgets, and a long list of tasks.

This guide walks you through each step, enabling you to plan with confidence and avoid delays. You'll get a clear view of what to expect, what to watch for, and how to keep everything moving smoothly.

What is Golf Course Development?

Golf course development is the process of building a new golf facility on undeveloped or repurposed land. You’re setting up the site to work for players, maintenance teams, and long-term use.

These projects are part of the broader golf industry, which continues to evolve with new trends and entrepreneurial approaches. At its core, golf course development involves:

• Shaping the land to match the design layout
• Installing drainage and irrigation systems
• Building tees, greens, fairways, and bunkers
• Preparing utility access and basic service areas

You’ll work with specialists who understand both construction and the game. These include golf course architects, engineers, and general contractors who know how to bring the plan to life.

Why is Golf Course Development Important in Capital Projects?

Golf course development is essential because it converts underused land into a long-term asset. These projects enable councils, developers, and institutions to deliver value through open spaces, recreation, and revenue.

Here’s why golf course development is showing up more in capital projects pipelines:

• Supports local jobs and tourism.
• Adds value to land without high-density builds.
• Creates accessible green space for sports and events.
• Revives old or closed golf sites for modern use.
• Aligns with public health, wellness, and master planning goals.

You’ll often see these projects bundled with broader site upgrades or regional infrastructure plans. They’re a visible, community-facing win that can also tick boxes for land use and asset performance.

Who is Involved in a Golf Course Development Project?

A golf course development project involves a team of specialists across design development, engineering, planning, and site delivery. Each expert brings a unique skill set to shape the land into a playable, maintainable golf facility.

Here’s who you’ll need on the team to deliver a successful golf course project:

Some golf course developers bring in the superintendent early to guide turf and irrigation choices before the construction wraps up.

What Does a Golf Course Development Project Include?

A golf course development project includes everything needed to turn raw land into a fully playable and functional golf facility. From shaping fairways to setting up infrastructure and services, every part is planned to support both gameplay and long-term operations.

Here’s what typically shows up in the scope of golf course development:

• Playable areas: tees, greens, fairways, bunkers, roughs, and practice zones like driving ranges; each feature is carefully designed to enhance the playing experience
• Infrastructure: grading, drainage, cart paths, and small bridges for access and water control
• Irrigation and turf systems: pumps, tanks, and water lines sized for turf coverage and health
• Facilities: clubhouse pads, access roads, service yards, and staff parking areas
• Utilities: water, power, and stormwater connections to keep everything running and future-ready
• Landscaping: native planting, erosion control, and visual buffers around the course

Most full courses sit on 150 to 250 acres, which means a lot of moving parts. The way you stage the work matters just as much as what you’re building.

6 Types of Golf Course Development

Golf course development comes in several formats, each with its own land size, build scope, and end-user fit. Some projects aim for full championship play, while others focus on quicker rounds or public training space.

Here’s a breakdown of the key types, including size, features, and project use:

1. 18-Hole Championship Course

These courses span 150 to 250 acres, depending on topography and routing. A full build includes 18 holes at regulation length, practice greens, a driving range, and areas for clubhouse and parking.

Typical project elements on an 18-hole course:

• 6,500 to 7,500 yards of playable surface.
• Dual-loop routing with returning nines.
• Bridges, cart paths, and engineered drainage.
• Civil works for utilities, water storage, and access roads.

Used in private clubs, luxury resorts, and tournament venues, these projects typically run 18–36 months from concept to opening, depending on the planning and approvals process.

Example: Yas Links - Abu Dhabi, UAE

Yas Links is a full-length championship course designed by Kyle Phillips. Built on reclaimed coastal land, it features dune-style shaping, salt-tolerant grass, and a full-scale resort master plan.

Build Insight: The project transformed a flat stretch of sandy desert into over 110 acres of natural seaside Runescape, incorporating drought-tolerant grasses and salt-tolerant warm-season Paspalum grass.

2. 9-Hole Executive Course

Executive layouts require 40 to 80 acres and are designed for shorter, faster rounds. Most holes range from 100 to 350 yards, with fewer bunkers and smaller greens. A nine hole executive course offers a compact and efficient playing experience.

Key dimensions and features of a 9-hole course:

• 2,000 to 3,000 total playing yards.
• Basic irrigation zones and simplified drainage.
• Practice green and clubhouse pad optional.
• Ideal for passive land zones or sloped parcels.

These are common in council-led recreation projects or private communities. Build time is often 9–14 months, depending on staging and turf availability.

Example: The Track Meydan Golf - Dubai, UAE

A floodlit, fully public 9-hole course built next to Meydan Racecourse. Compact yet premium, it delivers fast rounds and flexible play on limited land.

Build Insight: The course extends 3,667 yards with floodlit fairways, six lakes, and skyline views, offering night golf until 11 PM.

3. Par-3 or Short Course

Short courses fit into 20 to 30 acres, often with 6 to 12 holes. Every hole is a par 3, typically ranging from 80 to 180 yards.

These courses are often created to meet the needs of junior players and community programs, providing accessible and flexible golf experiences.

Build elements of a Par-3 short course include:

• Compact turf zones with walkable paths.
• Minimal grading and surface drainage.
• Lower-cost irrigation and grow-in phases.
• Small target greens, often shared or double-used.

These courses are suitable for junior training, community programs, or light commercial use. Some can open in as little as 6 to 9 months with basic staging and approvals.

Example: Bukit Pandawa Golf & Country Club - Bali, Indonesia

An 18-hole par-3 course that showcases Balinese architecture and dramatic coastal views. Designed to fit luxury resort terrain with minimal earthworks.

Build Insight: Situated on a limestone cliff-top overlooking the Indian Ocean, the course weaves its way from elevated ridges to ocean cliff edges, featuring 10 holes with ocean views.

4. Driving Range and Practice Facility

Practice ranges require 10 to 20 acres, depending on the number of bays, target distance, and fencing requirements. Net height and boundary clearance vary by location and safety codes.

Standard scope includes:

• 250 to 300 yards of range length.
• Hitting bays (open-air or enclosed).
• Ball collection system and tee line surface.
• Turf or synthetic grass options, depending on usage.

Some projects include short-game areas or putting-only facilities as standalone builds. These work well in urban areas, golf academies, or resort zones where space is limited but skill development is crucial.

Urban sites often include lighting, shade structures, and booking systems. Timelines range from 4 to 8 months, especially with prefab components.

Example: Topgolf Megacity - Bangkok, Thailand

This modern golf entertainment venue includes 98 hitting bays, a full-service restaurant, and short-game practice areas, built-in an urban retail zone.

Build Insight: The project features analytics technology, bars and restaurants, and large event facilities, making it the first Topgolf entertainment complex in Southeast Asia.

5. Golf Course Redevelopment

Redevelopment works occur within existing course footprints, typically spanning between 100 and 200 acres. The goal is to refresh the design, improve water efficiency, and modernize the play strategy.

Common updates:

• Re-routing holes for pace and safety.
• Replacing bunkers, greens, and irrigation.
• Adding native planting to reduce mowing zones.
• Improving clubhouse access and path layout.

Because utilities and permits are often in place, these builds can move fast, typically 12 to 18 months from start to finish, depending on the season and staging.

Example: Hong Kong Golf Club - Fanling, Hong Kong

One of Asia’s oldest courses, Fanling, was initially developed in the early 20th century and has now undergone significant renovation and redevelopment to improve water use, upgrade bunkers, and protect nearby heritage sites.

Build Insight: The course received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2023, recognizing its efforts in preserving cultural heritage amidst redevelopment and renovation plans.

Which Golf Course Development Approach Suits Your Project?

Select the course type that best suits your land, project timeline, and end-user requirements. That one decision shapes your layout, build cost, and approval path.

Here’s how different situations align with the right golf course build:

Golf course project success begins with aligning land capacity and course ambition. If you’re on the fence, check how similar builds perform in your region; they’re a reliable clue for what works.

Golf Course Development Process

Golf course projects move through clear stages, from feasibility to final grow-in. Each phase sets up the next, helping your team stay aligned and avoid surprises.

Here’s the whole golf course development process, step by step:

1. Feasibility and Site Assessment

This is where you test if the project is worth pursuing. It confirms if the site, market, and capital stack make sense.

Feasibility checks and site assessments for golf courses usually include:

• Check the soil, slope, water access, and local terrain.
• Run a market analysis to see if demand exists.
• Estimate preliminary cost to build and operate.
• Flag zoning or environmental blockers early.
• Loop in early advisors: architect, planner, surveyor.

A site that appears flat and open may still fail due to water rights or poor soil quality. Early diligence here saves months later.

2. Concept Design and Master Planning

Once the site is inspected, the architect begins to shape the vision. The master plan illustrates how all elements fit together on the land.

Concept design and master planning for golf course development typically involve:

• Map out hole sequence, safety zones, and viewsheds
• Decide where greens, tees, clubhouse, and water features go
• Layer in civil planning and basic cost bands
• Review access points, sun angles, and wind direction

Courses with “returning nines” or flexible routing often get better player flow. This design also facilitates easier and more efficient maintenance.

3. Regulatory Approvals and Permits

This phase gets your plans past the regulators (e.g. EPA in the US). It can be quick or drag on, depending on location and scope.

Regulatory approvals and permits for building golf courses usually require the following steps:

• Prepare environmental and traffic impact reports
• Secure water permits, utility access, and drainage approvals
• Submit plans to planning boards, zoning, and local councils
• Meet any cultural or ecological review requirements

Golf projects located near coastlines or in protected areas typically require additional rounds of submission and feedback. These extra steps help ensure compliance with environmental regulations and community concerns.

4. Detailed Design and Construction Documents

Once permits are moved, the architect finalizes the drawings. These documents are used to get accurate bids and build from.

Detailed design and construction documents for golf course development typically include:

• Draft irrigation maps and turf zoning
• Detail bunker shapes, green contours, and surface drainage
• Finalize utility trenching, cart paths, and road layout
• Package specs for bid and build contracts

Well-prepared documents make contractor handover smoother and reduce back-and-forth during site works. Proper documentation ensures clear communication and helps keep the project on schedule.

5. Procurement, Contractor Selection, and Staging

Now, the project shifts from paper to people. The team secures builders, materials, and timelines.

Procurement and staging activities for golf course builds usually include:

• Invite certified golf builders to bid
• Review capabilities, timelines, and past builds
• Sequence construction in zones or loops
• Coordinate site access, water supply, and material laydown

In places with extreme weather, staging by season helps keep the schedule realistic and playable. Seasonal planning helps ensure construction progresses smoothly despite challenging conditions.

6. Construction and Grow-In

This is where shaping starts, and the course begins to take form. Once the ground is shaped, turf installation and grow-in begin.

Here’s what happens during golf course construction and grow-in:

• Strip topsoil and perform earthworks
• Install drainage, irrigation, and pump systems
• Seed or sod greens, tees, fairways, and roughs
• Begin grow-in with close coordination from the superintendent

Courses with native grass zones often need more grow-in time and proactive weed management. Native grasses typically establish slower, requiring careful attention during the early stages to ensure healthy turf development.

When Does Golf Course Development Happen in a Project Timeline?

Golf course construction typically begins once your permits, design approvals, and site access are in place. It tends to follow civil works but before full vertical build-out starts.

Here’s where the golf course development typically fits into your capital delivery sequence:

In-resort or master-planned developments, golf often leads the amenity schedule. That helps anchor site value early while giving teams room to work without clashing with vertical construction.

How Long Does Golf Course Development Take?

Most golf course projects take 18 to 36 months to reach playable condition from start to finish. The full timeline depends on your site, design project scope, permit process, and how well the team stays on track.

Here’s how long each stage of golf course development typically takes:

• Feasibility and Site Review (2–4 months)
  • Review soil, water access, slope, and local zoning.
  • Check market demand and the cost range for construction.
  • Flag any major red flags early.
• Concept Design and Masterplanning (3–6 months)
  • Plan course routing and layout.
  • Set general land use and playable flow.
  • Sketch early visuals and cost bands.
• Permitting Phase (4–12 months)
  • Prepare and submit planning and environmental docs.
  • Respond to regulator and public feedback.
  • Adjust plans if required for compliance.
• Final Design and Tendering (2–4 months)
  • Finalize detailed drawings.
  • Package up bid docs and review quotes.
  • Award contracts and set a build timeline.
• Construction Phase (8–18 months)
  • Grade the land and install drainage and irrigation.
  • Shape bunkers, tees, fairways, and greens.
  • Turf zones in stages.
• Grow-In and Turnover (3–6 months)
  • Grow and maintain turf to a playable standard.
  • Test systems and hand off to the superintendent.
  • Walk the site to review the final punch list items.

Courses in places with mild winters often progress more quickly since work can continue year-round. High-altitude or rainy sites usually stretch the schedule, especially during turf establishment.

How Much Does Golf Course Development Cost?

Golf course development costs can range from $1 million to over $20 million. The final figure depends on land conditions, course type, location, material access, and design complexity.

Here’s a breakdown of typical cost categories:

Golf courses in remote areas typically cost more due to the increased cost of transportation and labor access. Designs with heavy bunkering, water features, or high-end amenities can quickly push costs above the top end.

Risks and Best Practices in Golf Course Development

The biggest risks in golf course development stem from poor land conditions, inadequate water access, delays in permitting, and inadequate project planning. You can avoid most of these with early checks and a clear, staged approach.

Here’s where teams run into trouble and what actually works to keep your golf course development on track:

Teams that front-load feasibility and planning tend to finish more smoothly and spend less time fixing problems. A well-sequenced setup keeps pressure off your program budget and gives contractors space to deliver.

How Does Mastt Support Golf Course Development in Capital Projects?

Mastt helps you keep golf course projects on time, on budget, and under control. It’s designed for capital works, so it works seamlessly across golf courses, infrastructure, and broader master plans.

• Track Project Scope and Spend: Log budgets, forecasts, and actuals in one place. See updates without digging through spreadsheets.
• Connect Delivery Teams and Stakeholders: Share live dashboards with owners, consultants, and funders to ensure transparency and accountability. Everyone stays on the same page.
• Monitor Risks and Delays Early: Flag permit delays, turf issues, or contractor hold-ups before they create downstream problems.
• Keep Milestones Visible: Link golf milestones to other capital works. View critical dates from routing to grow-in.
• Simplify Reporting: Automate reporting with executive summaries, progress snapshots, and funding updates, ready to send at any time.

Mastt gives your team a single source of truth across every scope, not just the golf course. That means fewer surprises, faster decisions, and smoother delivery from concept to completion.

Plan Smarter, Develop Better Golf Courses

Golf course development requires precise planning, the right team, and smart tools from the outset. Each phase brings decisions that shape the project’s success, from land studies to turf grow-in.

The strongest results are achieved when you keep everyone aligned, identify risks early, and stay closely aligned with the numbers. Mastt helps you do all three without slowing down your team or drowning in reports.