Hampton and Woodlands golf courses face $16M renovation needs due to aging infrastructure

The Hampton City Council Work Session on February 26, 2025, focused on the urgent need for infrastructure improvements at the city's golf courses, Hamptons and Woodlands. A detailed report highlighted the aging facilities, with many features exceeding their expected lifespan, necessitating significant renovations.

The analysis revealed that the irrigation systems at Hamptons, for example, are 33 years old, far surpassing the average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Other critical components, such as cart paths and greens, are also well beyond their optimal age, contributing to a decline in playability and overall golfer experience. The report estimated that the total cost for reconstructing the Hamptons Golf Course would be approximately $8.85 million, while the Woodlands Golf Course would require around $7.4 million for similar upgrades.

The National Golf Foundation's financial model projected that the golf courses could stabilize at around 35,000 rounds annually for Woodlands and 33,000 for Hamptons. However, actual revenue has fallen short of expectations, leading to significant operating losses. The report indicated that without improvements, the annual operating loss could grow to $360,000 by fiscal year 2032.

Council members expressed concerns about the drainage issues at Hamptons, which have long been a problem for golfers. Experts confirmed that modern technology could address these drainage challenges during the renovation process.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the pressing need for investment in the golf courses to enhance infrastructure, improve maintenance standards, and ultimately attract more golfers. The council will need to consider these findings as they plan for the future of Hampton's golf facilities.