Palmetto Proving Grounds

Why don't we buy Sedgeweed? Bet the soil there is second to none.

You ever seen a links course? Most of them have no mature trees, and some have no trees at all. Granted there are very few true links courses in the US, but why not think outside the box and be unique.
I'm not a golfing guru like my boy koondog, but I think it would be awesome to build a true links style course behind the Farmer's Market...particularly if the property directly adjacent to the river could be purchased, allowing for river views and more scenic sight lines.
I also think the uniqueness of a links style course minutes from the city would draw a huge amount of golfers...I know I'd get in line!

Only problem with a links course, especially in Columbia, is no SHADE! It would be very hot for how many months out of the year - 5 or 6? And most golfers want to enjoy the whole "walk in the park" feeling they get at most golf courses. There is a reason there aren't many links courses in the U.S. In Columbia it would feel like a desert.

The private club concept is very problematic. That would require a core group of investors (members) who can pony up the $$ to get started and can absorb the losses on operating costs the first (several) years. There just aren't that many people around who love golf (or golf in Columbia) enough to get a club like that going. JICock mentioned the operating costs. Even on a modest budget (let's just say 1.5 million), you would need 300 members paying roughly $420 a month. Stuff like cart fees, range fees, food and beverage brings in additional revenue but keep in mind - 1.5 is a pretty small number for a golf operation. Finding 300 people to keep the club running is a massive challenge. There is a reason why the U.S. only saw about 12 or so new courses opened last year. Back in the mid-90's we saw 300+ every year.

That would be cool as long as you could maintain a good view of the river. Most links courses make up for the lack of trees by being next to the ocean or another large body of water.

Yeah I agree GVegas...that would be a big issue for some. I'm born and raised in Columbia so I'm well aware of the heat, I guess I'm just of the mindset that when it's "Columbia hot" it doesn't matter if you're under a big oak tree or standing in an open field...it's hot.
That said, its just my personal pipe dream...I just think it would be so unique that people would be all over it. Also, it would definitely give our golf teams a "home course advantage" if they hosted tournaments.

My question to you and others familiar with local course management tying back into the lack of shade and heat...
How much more would it cost to operate a links course versus a standard pine-tree lined course in regards to water etc in the summer. Thanks

Not to mention they have their own type of grass. A cross between Bent/ and Synthetic Sensamilla. Guaranteed to let you play 18 holes on it and get stoned to the begisis belt awterward.

With golf being as big a business in South Carolina as it is - hpw many courses at Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head - hopefully could turn it into both athletic and academic value.
I think the UNiversity Club had the right idea - linking it to Carolina - not sure what happened. Hass Columbia built an exclusive private golf club in years - perhaps linking one to Carolina,
with also a private membership might provide sufficient economic support.

No offense Jefe, but a blanket statement like "turf needs more water than trees" is simply not accurate in all cases. Fescue vs pine tree: correct; Bermuda grass vs oak tree: incorrect. What is true now is that most Bermuda grasses do not need a lot of water to be a good playing surface. But golfers like to see the dark green color. Nobody likes a brown tree.

Yes, we've spent the money and it's done. It looks nice. No one except golf teams are allowed over there. It looks like augusta national next to sedgeweed.

Actually, most naturally growing trees only need the water that rainfall provides......maintaining turf on a golf course in the condition that would be expected for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks golf team would require a great deal more water. An average 100 acres of maintained turf requires 500,000 to 700,000 gallons of water per irrigation cycle to apply a .25" to the course ever 2 or 3 days. Again, dependent on the soil. A sandier soil will require more than a clay soil. Effluent water is definitely a possibility if Columbia has that sort of facility. There would be increased maintanence cost to deal with the impurities that comes with that water source but its not prohibitive.

Not sure i understand. Once established an oak tree will live without irrigation. Bermuda has to have irrigation if its for a sports field or golf course. Otherwise it goes dormant during dry spells, fails to recover from traffic, and generally looks like crap. I know there are types of Bermuda that use less water and are drought tolerant, but its still turf grass with roots that go down 2-3 inches.

Put it this way...if you know of a type of Bermuda that will give me green grass without the big summer water bill let me know where I can buy it. My oaks, pines, walnut, and dogwoods aren't irrigated. I'd LOVE to have a great looking lawn without the $180 water bill. Oh, BTW, not trying to be argumentative, I'm seriously interested.

Jefe you must have a big yard! Sadly, there is no magical Bermuda grass that will stay green during a Columbia summer without irrigation. Unless it rains every other day. I actually prefer zoysia grass as it grows a little slower and can handle a little shade. Like you, I'm not trying to argue over trees / turf. I should have qualified my statement by saying that if you want "healthy" and "healthy looking" trees, they do require some water. I should have said "big trees are big water users". If its available that is.