Facility Types

Municipal Golf Course

Community assets that grow the game, drive rounds, and deliver lasting economic impact

Municipal golf courses are underperforming and the opportunity is significant

Municipal golf courses are high-value community assets. When professionally managed, they become community hubs, wellness destinations, and drivers of local economic activity. Most aren't getting there on their own.

Approximately 85% of the 2,600 municipal golf facilities in the U.S. are still self-managed. Without dedicated golf expertise, marketing resources, or player development programs. Spirit Golf Management, powered by Sports Facilities Companies, exists to close that gap.

Municipal golf courses in the U.S.

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Of golf facilities are still self-managed

U.S. golders in 2025 (all-time record)

0 million+

Rounds played annually at SFC managed courses

K+

Junior golfer growth since 2019

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More about Municipal Golf Courses

Golf participation hit an all-time high of 48.1 million Americans in 2025

28% of on-course golfers are now women, the highest ever—driving demand for more modern, inclusive programming

Junior golf participation has surged 58% since 2019, making youth development programs one of the highest-growth areas in facility management today

Over 45% of public courses are rated below average—creating a clear opportunity to boost quality and revenue through professional management

Whether you’re in the early planning stages, already under construction, or operating an existing facility, SFC meets you where you are, guiding you every step of the way to create, elevate, or optimize a successful facility.

Featured Golf Facilities

Five Ponds Golf Club

Five Ponds is a flagship Spirit Golf Management facility and a model for what professionally managed public golf looks like. Rated four stars by Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” and voted Best Public Golf Course in Bucks County five years running.

Key Statistics

Type: 18-hole public golf course
Notable: 4-star Golf Digest rating; Best of Bucks County five consecutive years
Programming: Full junior academy, adult instruction, PGA-certified coaching staff
Services: Full golf operations, agronomy, marketing, food and beverage, financial management

Makefield Highlands Golf Club

Makefield Highlands is the only true links-style golf course in the Tri-State area — and a strong example of how Spirit Golf’s management approach positions a public facility for long-term success. Through strategic programming, active player development, and community-forward operations, Makefield Highlands has grown its rounds, strengthened its reputation, and established itself as a regional destination.

Key Statistics

Type: 18-hole public championship golf course, links design by Rick Jacobson
Notable: Only links-style course in the NJ/PA/NY Tri-State area; Top 50 GRAA Public Facility designation
Programming: Spirit Golf Academy, junior programs, group instruction, tournament hosting
Services: Full golf operations, PGA player development, agronomy, marketing, F&B, financial management

PGA-credentialed expertise

Spirit Golf’s team is led by PGA Professionals with decades of hands-on experience managing public and municipal golf facilities. Our staff includes national award winners in merchandising and player development — the best in the business at growing the game at the community level.

Player development that builds loyalty

We specialize in growing participation through proven PGA-aligned player development programs, including junior golf, learn-to-play clinics, adult beginner series, and our S.O.A.R.ing Service program. Growing new golfers builds the sustainable customer base that keeps your course full and your community engaged.

Full-service course management

Spirit Golf provides turnkey management across every function of your facility — golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, marketing, financial services, membership sales, and tournament programming. One partner. Every department. Consistent execution.

National marketing reach and booking power

Through SFC’s national marketing infrastructure and Spirit Golf’s golf-specific expertise, we build marketing programs that fill tee sheets, attract tournaments, and expand your course’s reach well beyond its local market.

Agronomic excellence

Course conditions are the foundation of every great golfer experience. Our agronomic program begins with a comprehensive review of current conditions, equipment, cultural practices, and budget — then delivers a plan that improves playability, protects the course, and manages your bottom line.

Network power

When working with Spirit Golf Management and SFC, your golf facility joins the SF Network — the largest portfolio of sports and recreation venues in the nation. This means access to shared systems, national event pipelines, sponsorship relationships, and a community of operators dedicated to raising the standard for what recreational venues can deliver.

See why we’re trusted by communities nationwide

Keep your golf course performing at its best

Learn how Spirit Golf Management, powered by Sports Facilities Companies, can help bring a sustainable, high-impact golf management vision to life for your community — or optimize the performance of your existing municipal course

Join the SFC team

Live the mission of improving communities through sports. Become a part of the Sports Facilities Companies team today.

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Municipal Golf Course