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Abstract
Golf is a remarkably popular sport that attracts people of all ages. However, due to increasing costs it is becoming less accessible to some. These high costs are often due to designers and managers emulating courses seen on the PGA Tour. This study investigates whether golf can be made more accessible through the use of inexpensive alternatives.
To identify key characteristics of affordable golf, grounded theory and concept mapping were utilized to synthesize information from the literature. Two major categories emerged from the analysis: site selection and the design process.
The study yielded a series of design guidelines to assist golf architects in creating courses that are less expensive to build and maintain while preserving playability and aesthetics.
Suitable sites for affordable golf require approximately 60 hectares of usable land, gently rolling topography, sandy soils, and an irrigation source. A design process that incorporates smaller greens, larger tees, fewer bunkers and minimal earth movement will decrease costs while maintaining playability and aesthetics.
