Mike Sunnucks | Phoenix Business Journal
Many country clubs have relaxed membership requirements, cut fees and opened themselves to those who don’t live in adjoining real estate developments.
Still, developing and running a golf club is an expensive proposition.
Dan Smith, CEO of Desert Troon Cos. in Scottsdale, pegs development and start-up operation of a golf club associated with a real estate development at $20 million in initial costs. Smith said there isn’t the land, buyer demand or financing for new courses. And that doesn’t even get into the water and maintenance costs.