This seemingly simple question has an answer that’s very complex and situation-specific. So much depends upon the type of site available and the type of golf facility planned.
According to “Building a Practical Golf Facility” by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA Fellow, “For example, a typical par 4 hole of 400 yards will take up to 10.4 acres (420 yards long with buffers x 120 yards minimum width). So, a 10-acre parcel could contain one 400 yard long hole, or perhaps three or four par 3s ranging in length from 60 yards to 150 yards, and with skilled design, perhaps more.
“This means an 18-hole course of all short par 3s could be built on as little as 30 acres, while an intermediate length or executive course of 18 holes of par 3s and 4s would require 75-100 acres, and a full size par 72 course would need 120-200 acres. This assumes, of course, only usable land which does not allow for wetlands, restricted areas, or land not easily made part of the golf area.”
