Erik Larsen, ASGCA

A golf course...it is a beautiful thing. But aside from the obvious aesthetic beauty, the true beauty of a course can be found in the many ways it gives back to the community.

Golf courses can increase the economic value to the local community, often times raising the property values of surrounding areas. They also provide planned locations for green space development. The flexible nature of a golf course helps transition spaces between the natural environment and community neighborhoods. Golf courses serve as smart contributions to the preservation of natural wildlife and habitats. In this regard, golf courses are living brochures for environmental awareness

Golf courses also offer alternative recreation venues. For those looking for an increase in exercise and aerobic activity, a 4-hour round of golf can burn more than 1200 calories. Elect to play without the cart and one can burn well over 2000 calories while on the course. But courses can offer more than a simple round of golf. Land within and around a golf course can complement scenic walking trails, relaxing fishing holes and even stretches of beautiful beach property.

The gently rolling hills of Newport Dunes

It's often said that golf builds character. I'd like take that one step further and remind everyone that golf also helps build camaraderie. The golf course is a brilliant place to cultivate business relationships, fuel a competitive itch or simply a place have fun swinging the clubs with your family and friends. A golf course serves as a natural gathering place and prime hosting venue for a variety of social functions and organized events.

From tee to green, from fairway to bunker, from clubhouse to nature preserve ... a golf course truly is a beautiful thing.

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