The real estate boom that brought about a boom in golf course construction is a thing of the past. Now golf courses are closing around the country as the sport recedes from its peak popularity.
JC Reindl reports on the waning popularity of golf and the decreasing physical footprint of golf courses around the state of Michigan.
The number of courses peaked in Michigan in the early 2000s with more than 970 public and private courses, according to past reports by the National Golf Foundation. Michigan ranked No. 3 in the country in 2001, behind only California and Florida, where golf is played year-round.
By January 2015, Michigan was down to 790 golf courses -- fourth place behind New York. The foundation last week declined to share its latest report with the Free Press, but a source who has seen the 2016 rankings said Michigan fell to 773 courses with just a hairsbreadth lead on fifth-place Texas.
Reindl blames golf's decreasing popularity on generational shifts: Some baby boomers are growing too old for the game, and Millennials are less interested in golf than previous generations. One interpretation of the decreasing footprint of golf, however, is that supply reached a glut in the 1990s and 2000s as developers included golf courses as a de rigueur amenity for new housing developments.
FULL STORY: Michigan's golf course boom is now a painful bust
Culdesac Tempe Defies Expectations
Despite initial skepticism about its true potential for sustainable urbanism, the built-from-scratch “car-free neighborhood” is widely popular with its residents.
Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing
The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.
A Historic Golf Club's Community Revival
South LA’s Chester Washington Golf Club is experiencing a revitalization, blending its rich legacy with modern advancements while continuing to foster community, diversity, and fellowship.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
Map: Where Senate Republicans Want to Sell Your Public Lands
For public land advocates, the Senate Republicans’ proposal to sell millions of acres of public land in the West is “the biggest fight of their careers.”
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
California Homeless Arrests, Citations Spike After Ruling
An investigation reveals that anti-homeless actions increased up to 500% after Grants Pass v. Johnson — even in cities claiming no policy change.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)