Colby Norton
Natural Lines Golf
The most important parts of a golf facility come down to the footprint, operating costs, course design, and then golfer expectations.
In this par 3 facility concept, we have created a 9-hole, well thought out design that will require low operating costs especially for maintaining the golf course. It is also built on just over 10 acres, making it a small footprint while still living up to golfer expectations.
This is a perfect facility for the recreational golfer to go out with their friends, pay a low green fee, and have a good time. Parts of the facility that make it possible for this fun atmosphere and affordable rate include:
A Himalayan style putting course.
The clubhouse location with an outside bar and seating is right beside 1 tee, 9 green, and putting course.
A halfway house in the middle of the course where golfers will walk by multiple times throughout the round.
No bunkers, but bold contours with the ability for the golfers to use the ground game.
Plenty of room for a maintenance barn and parking.
Lights around the putting course at night for when the clubhouse and bar stay open late.
A simple footprint, with the ability to provide a good time for players and visitors. One thing that golf courses like this capitalize on is the location of the clubhouse. This clubhouse includes an outside area that includes a bar, seating, views of the course, and is a couple footsteps from a light up putting course. This allows the ability for the clubhouse to stay open late and entertain guests with the putting course, and even including live music to make it a late night hangout spot. This can motivate visitors to come back and use all aspects of the facility. Having a solid merchandise line can also drive revenue especially if you market it towards the late night visitors like a lot of restaurants and bars selling hats and shirts right at their hostess stand. Sweetens Cover has done a phenomenal job dropping new merchandise with creative logos and designs. Many courses can capitalize on a similar idea.
In all, a giant footprint with high maintenance costs is not needed to meet the everyday recreational golfer expectations. Creating a good spot for people to come even if it’s not to play golf, will keep people coming back and start using the facilities while having low operating costs and greens fees.