American Society of Golf Course Architects | Designing and Building Your Course Step-by-Step

American Association of Golf Course Architects | Remodeling University

Step 3: Site Selection

Vacant Land Choosing the right site can make or break a project. The process of evaluation goes deep, and in the end, it all boils down to looking at options. It’s a matter of viability mixed with appeal – both objective and subjective.

Site Selection Criteria

Economic Criteria

Economic criteria are determined by a feasibility and market study. Criteria include:

Accessible location
Acceptable land costs
Manageable development costs
The ability to support all project components (i.e. - development, recreation, regulatory constraints, circulation and infrastructure).

Physiographical Criteria

Physiographical criteria include study of the natural opportunities and/or constraints of the site. These include:

Topography
Soils
Water
Vegetation
Wildlife
Site drainage

Site Governance

Governance of the site must also be considered. This includes:

Regulatory restrictions
Property size and shape
Existing utilities and structures.

Off-site issues factor into an acceptable site as well. Air traffic, noise, views and odors should be studied.

A civil engineer, land planner, developer, contractor, golf course architect and/or golf course operator may be needed for site selection with regard to economic and physiographical criteria.

The Bottom Line: 18 Holes = 150 Acres

Basically, an 18-hole golf course site needs about 150 acres of usable land. Flat is better than too steep, but gently rolling is best. Fan or rectangular-shaped land nicely allows for returning nines. A 20-acre contiguous piece of land is needed for the clubhouse site, 1st and 10th tees, 9th and 18th greens, and the practice range.

The site should allow for orientation away from the sun when starting, finishing and practicing. Typically, architects and developers strive for a nice panoramic view from the clubhouse. Outstanding natural site features separate a great site from a good one. Simply put, the more and the bigger the better. All sites possess their own positive and negative characteristics. Site analysis by a golf course architect will lead to the selection of a site best-suited for quality golf.

What is a Proper Site?

The golf course architect plays an important role in selecting the construction site or evaluating alternative sites. The architect can quickly assess whether a prospective site has the necessary character for a golf course. Some of the most desirable features include rolling hills and interesting landscape, which minimizes earthmoving, thus resulting in reduced construction costs. Also, environmental issues such as wetlands must be considered.

The site must be suited to allow an environmentally responsible approach to the development of the new golf course. In addition, two more important natural factors in site selection are drainage and soil condition. Drainage and quality topsoil are essential to growth of the fine turf.

Other key components in site selection are the ease of utility connections and accessibility to the new project. Power and potable water must be available for the clubhouse and maintenance facility. Obviously, the proposed course must be well-situated to attract golfers of all skill levels. Accessibility to major population centers and thoroughfares is most desirable.

Suggested Reference Readings

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