The newly opened Cleburne Golf Links in Texas might be a case study in building affordable golf in the present economic climate.

Architect John Colligan said: “Our primary objective was to make sure that the design and features of the course did not compete or overpower the site. We wanted the course to work in concert with the gently rolling terrain, native grasses and breath taking views.” 

This approach helped keep the cost of the course below US$3m. Colligan says he believe architects have a responsibility to the golfing public, as well as the course’s owner, to be prudent in the design process to keep green fees reasonable without sacrificing the look and feel of the course.

“We were very excited when city officials agreed that this should be a course that will help to grow the game of golf,” Colligan said. “We have incorporated great putting, short game and practice range facilities along with a beginner/junior tee on each hole which play to a total length of 2,695 yards”.

The course also features Miniverde greens, Tifsport bermudagrass tees and fairways, GN-1 bermudagrass primary rough, Sahara bermudagrass secondary rough and a mixture of several native grasses which make up the tertiary rough.