Experienced real estate developers are listening to buyers and creating “quality lifestyle” developments, including golf courses that serve multiple functions.

“Many golf course community buyers are not golfers,” said Erik Larsen, a member of the Board of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. “While golf course homes are a great investment and undeniably placed in beautiful settings, non-golfers often seek more.

“A golf course should be viewed as useful not only for golf, but as a landscape architecture amenity,” continued Ponte Vedra-based architect Larsen. “Developments that include golf can and should also serve the surrounding environment and community.”

Larsen made these comments while speaking on the “Trends in Modern Golf Course Architecture” panel at the Golf Industry Show, held in Orlando, Feb. 9 - 12, 2005.

Courses Have Value

While golf courses are built primarily for the sport of golf, they can also be used for water retention and purification; as view corridors and wildlife habitats; and fire breaks in the Western U.S. They also function well as green corridors for re-vegetation.

“Responsive developers are planning communities that incorporate activities for golfers and non-golfers alike,” noted Larsen. “Golf courses often add even more value when they are developed in conjunction with other amenities like recreation centers, ski hills and spas.”

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