Golf Facility Capital Investment

In 2023, New York golf facilities invested more than $588.6 million in capital improvements for new construction, large-scale course renovations, and enhancements to clubhouses and related structures not funded directly from operating expenses (+38% from inflation-adjusted 2007 capital expenditures). This level of investment reflects a strategic shift with a stable number of courses and a surge in demand; capital is increasingly directed toward enhancing existing facilities to meet modern player expectations and maintain a competitive edge. This reinvestment supported nearly 8,500 total jobs and $422.5 million in labor income across the construction and service sectors.

Renovations at facilities such as Transit Valley Country Club, Bedford Golf and Tennis Club, The Rock Golf Club, Amagansett Golf Club, and Brookfield Country Club illustrate the breadth of investment and commitment to serve growing demand — ranging from course and irrigation system upgrades to new clubhouses, expanded food and beverage facilities, and even employee housing.

Approach

What is assessed

Capital investments are major improvements beyond routine maintenance and operations. These include upgrading greens and tees, renovating clubhouses and other buildings, purchasing turf equipment and irrigation systems, and constructing new golf courses.

How it’s measured

Golf facility capital investment data comes from the 2024 New York golf facility survey conducted by Radius (n=148), which asked about large-scale capital projects in 2023 outside of normal operating costs. Reported average investment by facility type was applied to the full state census, with outliers removed, then added back in as they represented significant projects. Findings are summarized in the table below:

Summary of New York Golf Facility Capital Investment

*Totals may not sum precisely due to rounding.