5 Things to Remember when Building a Golf Course

There has been a countless number of golf courses that have been built over the years that have failed to reach expectations. People may say that golf is not growing and it is nowhere near as big as it was in the 70s and 80s; however, there is always an underlying reason to why a newly built golf course have failed. I am going to give five recommendations to take into account that could make the course successful or bankrupt.

1. Don't Make it Feel like a Business
   Some golf courses nowadays feel like they are trying to make money from the golfer at every opportunity and it makes it unenjoyable for the golfer. firstly, have a halfway house at the 10th Hole but do not have a catering buggy pestering the golfer every three holes asking. Secondly, complimentary range balls are a nice touch for the golfer to experience for such a low cost.
2. Drainage
   Make sure before building the golf course if it will hold up the elements if necessary. There have been many inland courses that experience rain shower and the course is unplayable. If a course is closed due to flooding, then a golfer will tend to not even attempt to play there again.
   
3. Unique Name for the Golf Course
   Many golf courses, especially in America, have names that have just not been thought out. From a marketing perspective, the name is everything. If a course is called "Pebble Creek", "Eagles Landing", or even ""The Plantation Course" then it is not going to be successful. Simple as that. The Home of Golf, Scotland, have thought about the name of their golf courses. Askernish, Muirfield, and Kingsbarns just to name a few. Unique names make the course just that bit more special.
4. Location
   
   A large population with a high demand for golf in the surrounding area is vital. Many golf courses have been built in places that are too rural as the land was cheap, however, people don't want to drive over an hour to play golf. Another big success factor when discussing location is the seclusion of the golf course/resort. A long road leading up to the clubhouse creates a climax for the golfer and a feeling of privacy from everything else. The plot of land where the golf course will be built should have either old tree, old dunes or something else that will make the course look like it has existed for over 100 years. Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, pictured above, is a great example of this as it was built in 2013.
5. The 19th Hole
   A clubhouse is the heart of the golf course. Good food, a lively pub, and luxury locker rooms definitely will not hurt the golf resort.