Golf courses are majestic pieces of land. Just imagine it: the perfectly tended grass, luscious landscaping, and tranquil bodies of water. It can leave both golfers and non-golfers in awe. And for some, a golf course might seem like the perfect backyard.

But there are questions to ask. How busy does it get?  Will I need to keep my lawn pristine? Will golfers play through my backyard? Read ahead to find out more about the pros and cons of buying a home located next to a golf course.

Noise Levels

The noise levels can vary depending on the course, time of year, and your proximity to the course. Noise won’t be an issue after the sun sets if the course doesn’t have lights, which can lead to a peaceful evening on your patio.

However, courses can get very noisy during the daylight hours. The immaculate course conditions take a lot of work, and course prep starts early to beat the golfers. Also, consider where you are in relation to the course. If you’re next to a cart path, tee box, or driving range, it could be noisier than living next to a large stretch of the fairway. You should expect to hear “Fore!” at all hours of the day.

Privacy

There’s nothing like looking out a window or walking out your front door and seeing a wide-open field of green. The privacy of living next to a golf course can be a major perk. While you’ll likely still have neighbors, there will be open space bordering areas of your yard.

On the contrary, there are times where there won’t be as much privacy. During the peak golf season, you may have golfers playing near your yard from dawn until dusk.

If the course is one that holds major golf tournaments, be ready for large crowds at different times of the year. The traffic alone can be a nightmare and could make your new home go from feeling like a birdie to a bogey.

The Views

Any concerns of a neighbor’s unkempt lawn will be a thing of the past. The course’s ground crew go to painstaking lengths to make sure the course is in pristine condition. If your local club hosts tournaments, you may have a prime spot to watch the action from your back deck.

But you may need to take extra lengths to maintain your own yard. Many golf course communities have homeowner’s associations. They may require homeowners to be stringent with their own yard upkeep. The HOAs of golf course communities may also restrict the type of home projects you want to do in the future.

And while the views are gorgeous, you might not be able to enjoy them for certain activities. There are restrictions on using cart paths for walks and biking. You’ll need to make sure you can perform these activities away from the course in your neighborhood.

Stray Balls

A mulligan by a golfer during a casual round of 18 isn’t a big deal. That is until the awry drive lands on your lawn or, even worse, in your living room.

One of the biggest concerns you may have living next to a golf course is a golf ball landing on your property. While small, golf balls can cause big damage. You can up your home insurance coverage, but that will lead to a higher monthly premium.

One way to try to avoid this is buying a home in an area where golfers are not hitting long drives. Avoid the fairway! Areas of the course where golfers are taking more calculated shots may be better to live next to. These include near greens, sand traps, and water hazards.

Community

Living near a course has another perk: some clubs offer special rates for neighbors. Some golf communities even include membership fees in the price of the home. Not only will that allow you to golf, but also allow you to take part in some of the club’s other amenities. These can include tennis, swimming, clubhouse dining, and visiting the spa. The clubhouse may also have social events to help you get to know your neighbors.

But if you’re not interested in these amenities, it will just be an additional cost. Some golf course communities require you to purchase a membership, which can have a big impact on your budget.

Golf

If you’re a golfer, we’ve saved the best for last. Living near a club allows you to get a quick round in after work, or play leisurely on the weekends. However, if you’re not a big fan of the links, an additional cost for the home being close to a course won’t sway you.

Living next to a golf course isn’t for everyone. But if the amazing landscape and quick drive to the course appeals to you, finding a house next to one will feel like a hole-in-one!