The board of directors is looking to form a public-private partnership between the township and an outside entity to create and operate a golf complex at the South Gosling Tract, a 208-parcel tract donated by Howard Hughes in 2023 off Gosling Road on Spring Creek.
What you need to know
The project would be a short-course golf course consisting of nine holes and amenities such as:
- Practice and putting environments
- Food and beverage
- Shaded outdoor seating
- Events
- Golf clinics
"Much like the board of directors has done with Texas TreeVentures, Riva Row Boat House, we see this as a complementary aspect that ... can drive [sales and] hotel tax as well," Nunes said.
The background
Most of the property was deemed not suitable for development because it is within the flood plain and is better suited for uses such as trail development, Nunes said. However, 50 acres in the northern part of the property and 50 acres in the southern half would be suitable for public recreation, according to information from the township.
Following strategic township planning meetings in May, an ad hoc task force identified golf as an unmet need in the community, Nunes said. While The Woodlands has many private golf courses, there are no public facilities, Nunes said.
After developing a golf course, the property would still potentially have 150 acres of space in the floodway above the 100-year floodplain, Nunes said.
Nunes said night golf would also be a possible option, with solar-powered lighting being the most cost-effective solution. In response to board questions, he said the private partner would also be responsible for maintenance.
What they're saying
"I don't think there's anything like that in the region," board Chair Brad Bailey said during the meeting. "This is a public-private partnership of a need that I think we have."
Director Shelley Sekula-Gibbs said she liked the idea, but said the board should exercise caution going into the project.
"I want to be very sure that any kind of partnership we enter into is well briefed with the community, that they understand what we are attempting to do and what we finally end up doing," she said.
Director Craig Eissler said the amenity would also be an economic development opportunity.
"This could be something that the whole community enjoys from a tax standpoint," he said. "Sales tax, food and beverage."
What's next
The project will be advertised Dec. 17, and the proposal is due Jan. 23. The board will review and select the partners for the project Feb. 19 or 26, according to the meeting agenda.
The construction and opening of the facility can not yet be estimated until a proposal is presented, Nunes said.
Board members noted that Howard Hughes will have naming rights on the property, which was donated by the company.
