re: Anyone play Greystone lately?

Every destination course I list will have more resources. It’s about money, not play. Your very first post was that anything over 30k is bad and 50k was too many. So I’m trying to figure out your solution. You said it wasn’t to limit play. So defend that. Should greystone charge $500 per round? Or do they “control” play as you put it? Meaning what? They close the course mondays already. 30k rounds at an average of $60 is less than $2mil (and it’s probably much, much less when you count the old, retired members who play 4+ times per week on a $350/month membership). How many workers, equipment, materials, etc do you think that covers?

Let’s talk about your 30k vs 50k number and see what AI has to say:

There isn’t a precise, universally agreed-upon figure publicly available that specifically states how many golf courses in the United States host 50,000 or more rounds per year. However, I can provide an informed estimate based on available data and industry insights.

The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that, at the end of 2023, there were approximately 15,963 golf courses in the U.S. In 2023, a record-breaking 531 million rounds of golf were played nationwide. To estimate how many courses might see 50,000 or more rounds annually, we can start by calculating the average rounds per course and then consider the distribution of play.

Dividing 531 million rounds by 15,963 courses gives an average of about 33,263 rounds per course per year. However, this average doesn’t account for the significant variation in course usage. High-demand public courses, especially in warm climates like Florida, California, and Texas, or popular resort destinations, often see far more rounds than private clubs or courses in less populated or seasonal regions. For example, private clubs in some areas might only host 10,000–15,000 rounds annually, while busy public or resort courses can exceed 60,000 or even 70,000 rounds.

Industry insights suggest that top-tier public and resort courses—those with strong reputations, favorable weather, and high accessibility—frequently surpass the 50,000-round mark. According to anecdotal evidence from golf industry discussions, a well-utilized public course in a major metro area or Sun Belt region might see 50,000–70,000 rounds, while the busiest can push toward 100,000. Private clubs, on the other hand, tend to cap rounds lower (often intentionally) to maintain exclusivity and course conditions, with many averaging 25,000–30,000 rounds.

A rough benchmark from sources like the NGF and golf management firms indicates that the average public golf course in the U.S. hosts around 30,000–35,000 rounds annually, while private clubs vary widely but often fall below this due to limited membership and play restrictions. Courses exceeding 50,000 rounds are thus likely in the upper tier of utilization—think municipal courses in cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix, or resort layouts like those in Scottsdale or Orlando.

Given that about 75% of U.S. golf facilities (roughly 11,972 courses) are public (municipal or daily fee), and assuming a skewed distribution where a smaller fraction of these handle disproportionately high traffic, we might estimate that 5–10% of all courses (public and private combined) reach or exceed 50,000 rounds. This would translate to approximately 800–1,600 courses nationwide. This range aligns with the concentration of golf in high-population, warm-weather states and the fact that only a subset of courses—likely those in the top quartile of demand—hit such volumes.

Without exact NGF data breaking this down (which isn’t publicly detailed at the 50,000-round threshold), this estimate remains speculative but grounded. For a more precise number, industry reports from groups like Golf Datatech or the NGF, which track rounds at the facility level, would be needed—but those are typically behind paywalls or proprietary.

So, my best estimate: around 800 to 1,600 golf courses in the U.S. likely see 50,000 or more rounds per year, with the majority being high-traffic public or resort courses in prime golfing regions.

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members who play 4+ times per week on a $350/month membership

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I don’t know for sure, but I get the feeling that most midweek play is from members. The weekends tend to book up pretty solid with members too.

Jesus, dude, you just like to argue, don’t you?
50,000 rounds on a course with terrible soil, not growing for 2/3’s of the year and not the pinnacle of resources is a bad combination.
If that statement is wrong to you, then let’s call it a day.
50,000 rounds is:
-Fairways and cart path side rough that never grows
-Goosegrass and poa in your greens constantly from foot traffic compaction.
-Mowing is the only thing done on Mondays cause the rest of the week eats up the time with golfers.

It’s a recipe for disaster. You’ll get your pockets of pleasure where the course looks good…..considering. But it’s a slow decline.

I don’t care what AI says.Greystone can’t keep that pace.

I’m completely serious. If you think the Bermuda is popping from October to May, then you’ve never worked a golf a day in your life. The growing season for Celebration might be a little over 4 months. For Mini Verde, in Denham, you won’t get 4 months.
Look at your phone for this weeks forecast. Great golfing weather, but it ain’t doing shite for the grass.

Now…..
Golf is a money pit. Always will be.if you’re not being funded by taxes (RTJ Trail) or private members with money to burn (BRCC) or an owner that loses money each year (Squire Creek), then you are going to struggle.
Every destination course has some sort of bank roll keeping it afloat.
Golf is a tough business for everyone but the golfer.

Greystone is closed every Monday? Or every Monday there isn’t a tournament?

30K is a 100 golfers a day, resting one day a week. It’s a very long race where improvements are gradual and mostly permanent. As the conditions improve, the price goes up. Again, it’s slow and gradual and something is going to have to offset the cost. Sucks, but that’s the business.

That 150 rule is the biggest lie spread by golfers. Bermuda needs 70/90 consistently for growth of any substance.

The mini-verde was for reference to Greystone, big boy…..gotta be a prick at every turn don’t you?

Well ya’ll keep on 50K and let us know how great it looks a few times a year.

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That 150 rule is the biggest lie spread by golfers. Bermuda needs 70/90 consistently for growth of any substance.

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It is meant to be a general rule of thumb not an exact science. If you want to get more detailed:

Bermuda grass typically begins to grow after being dormant in the winter when soil temperatures consistently reach around 65°F (18°C). This warm-season grass thrives in higher temperatures, and its active growth usually kicks in during late spring to early summer, depending on your location and climate. Air temperatures often need to be in the 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) range for a sustained period to warm the soil sufficiently. Keep an eye on local weather patterns, as the exact timing can vary!

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bermuda grass typically starts growing after winter dormancy when soil temperatures consistently reach around 65°F (18°C). Based on the average low air temperatures for Baton Rouge and typical spring warming patterns, this usually happens in late March to early April.

Here’s the reasoning:

• Bermuda grass needs sustained soil warmth to break dormancy. While air temperatures don’t directly equal soil temperatures, they correlate over time.

• March has an average low of 51°F (10.6°C), but highs often climb into the upper 60s or low 70s°F (20-22°C). By late March, soil temperatures begin approaching the 65°F threshold as days lengthen and warm.

• By April, with average lows at 58°F (14.4°C) and highs typically in the mid-to-upper 70s°F (24-26°C), soil temperatures reliably hit and sustain the 65°F mark.

Local weather variations—like a warmer or cooler spring—can shift this slightly. For precision, you could monitor soil temperature with a thermometer, but historically, Bermuda grass in Baton Rouge kicks into growth around late March to early April!

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Bermuda grass typically starts going dormant in the fall when soil temperatures consistently drop below about 55°F (13°C). This warm-season grass slows growth as temperatures decline, entering full dormancy as cooler weather persists. Based on Baton Rouge’s average low temperatures and seasonal patterns, this usually occurs in late October to early November.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Bermuda grass begins to slow when air temperatures dip and daylight shortens. It doesn’t shut down instantly but gradually fades as soil cools.

• October’s average low is 60°F (15.6°C), with highs often in the upper 70s°F (25-26°C), keeping soil warm enough for some activity early in the month. By late October, lows can drop into the 50s°F (10-15°C), and soil temperatures start nearing the 55°F threshold.

• November, with average lows at 51°F (10.6°C) and highs typically in the upper 60s°F (18-20°C), sees soil temperatures consistently fall below 55°F, triggering full dormancy.

Exact timing can vary depending on weather patterns—like an early cold snap or a mild fall—but Bermuda grass in Baton Rouge generally begins going dormant around late October and is fully dormant by early November!


ETA: I have a weather station. Just checked and we averaged at or above 75° for 4 days straight 3 times already. First one was early February if you recall. Was an odd time for it.

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The mini-verde was for reference to Greystone, big boy…..gotta be a prick at every turn don’t you?

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To the greens. Which has nothing to do with this conversation. I wasn’t being a prick. Don’t get so offended so easily.

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Well ya’ll keep on 50K and let us know how great it looks a few times a year.

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Im sure we will find a way to survive just like the numerous other courses in Louisiana and hundreds around the country.

Why does this board get so contentious over Greystone?

Not taking sides here, but the wall of text AI answers suck.

Mostly agree with this.

Greystone is a tremendous value for its members. I personally would like to see them raise dues and limit or remove public play. Dues (without Carts) should be more in the 350 to 400 a month range. Maybe even a little more.

I’d close the range to the public also. Would be a much better product with less traffic hitting.

Not sure that 50k rounds annually at GS is completely accurate though. Be nice to see that down around the 25k to 30k.

They could if they would raise the dues to 400-450 monthly.