Country Clubs Pour Millions into Short-Format Golf Courses to Boost Membership Growth

Key Points:

• $6M investment: BallenIsles CC in Florida is building a 10-hole short course and 9-hole putting course.

• Convenience wins: Short 9–12 hole courses deliver meaningful rounds in under 90 minutes.

• Broadening appeal: These formats attract beginners, families, corporate groups, and busy professionals.

Country clubs are rewriting the playbook to attract and retain members—by embracing short-format golf. Their latest moves include 10-hole practice courses, par-3 loops, and putting greens, all geared toward efficiency and fun, as reported by the Business Journals. 

Why Short Courses Are Changing the Game

• Maximized land use: Clubs can squeeze in more playing space without the footprint or maintenance cost of a full 18-hole course.

• Time-sensitive play: Nine- and twelve-hole games fit neatly into 60–90 minute windows—perfect for before work or after dinner .

• Appeal to newcomers: The reduced intimidation factor of short courses—with fewer clubs and shorter walks—is encouraging uptake among beginners, families, and women, aligning with a 41% female golfer growth trend since 2019.

Case Study: BallenIsles Country Club (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)

• Rolling out a $6 million project including:

  • A 10-hole short course (80–160 yards per hole)

  • A 9-hole putting course

  • A skill green

• According to Director Jeff Fitzherbert, the project is designed to “appeal to a wider audience” and enhance community aesthetics.

CRE Insights: Why Investors & Operators Are Betting Big

• Post-pandemic cash flow: Nonprofit country clubs saw a median 23% revenue surge from 2019–22, with costs up just 8%, opening the door for capital projects.

• Strategic dues growth: Clubs are planning a 5% median dues hike in 2025, signaling both confidence and continued investment.

• Multi-use activation: Short courses double as corporate event venues, practice zones, and entertainment spots—boosting revenue per square foot while supporting diversified F&B, wellness, and lifestyle amenities.

Broader Context: CRE & Golf Industry Trends

• High utilization trend: The US saw 28 million on-course golfers in 2024, with 500 million+ rounds played annually, marking sustained high usage.

• Space-efficient design: Land scarcity and rising costs near metro areas discourage full-course builds—favoring repurposed properties and short loops instead.

• Female participation boost: With women now accounting for roughly 28% of golfers and growing, inclusive options like short courses support retention and long-term membership engagement.

What CRE Investors & Developers Should Know

• Value-add potential: Renovating existing clubs with compact course layouts and enhanced social/hospitality zones can create meaningful ROI.

• Portfolio diversification: Integrating short courses adds flexibility, allows for tiered amenities, and makes clubs more family- and corporate-friendly.

• Sustainable repositioning: Smart design—like modular tees, low-maintenance greens, and adaptable landscaping—can align with land use and environmental standards .

Expect to see more country clubs investing millions into short-format golf—a strategically efficient way to max out space, broaden member appeal, and generate diversified income streams. For CRE investors, this trend signals a shift: the integration of accessible, leisure-forward design is not just smart—it’s becoming essential in portfolio-worthy club investments.