Golf plans for Gosling: The Woodlands seeks partner to grow public outdoor recreation options

Outdoor recreation options in The Woodlands are slated to expand, with the township seeking partners for its first public golf course in 2026.

In February, the township will consider proposals submitted through Jan. 23 to form a public-private partnership at the South Gosling Tract—an undeveloped 208-acre parcel off Gosling Road on Spring Creek donated by Howard Hughes in 2023.

The project envisioned is a short-course for golf consisting of nine holes and a variety of amenities, according to the request for proposals.

Chris Nunes, chief operating officer for The Woodlands Township, said the course would provide a unique experience in the area, as well as contribute more revenue to township coffers through mixed-beverage taxes.

“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.

Most of the Gosling property was deemed not suitable for development because it is within the floodplain, Nunes said. However, portions are suitable for public recreation.

Nunes said night golf would also be a possible option, with solar-powered lighting being the most cost-effective solution.

The outlook

The partnership would bring in an outside entity to develop and operate the facility, Nunes said. Financial contributions from the township, if any, would be determined at a future date, he said.

Nunes said the private partner would also be responsible for maintenance of the facility, and it would need to fit in with the aesthetic character of The Woodlands. He said ideally the course would attract users for about two hours per visit.

“We’ve got to fit a lot of things in that 50 acres, but also be very, very sensitive to the environmental aspect and making sure that this looks like The Woodlands,” Nunes said.

Nunes said the township could also potentially partner with professionals to provide instruction and training. The Southern Texas Professional Golf Association, for example, is also located nearby on Gosling Road.

“It would be a great entry-level location for people to learn and get really addicted to the great game,” STPGA Executive Director Thomas Hutton said of the proposed course.

Hutton said the course East River 9 in Houston is similar to the one proposed for The Woodlands, as it is a nine-hole course open to the public with concessions and night golf.

Another detail

A public golf course would also increase accessibility to the sport’s health benefits.

The sport can contribute to social engagement, as well as promote physical activity, said Dr. Mark Gendi, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke’s Health-The Woodlands Hospital.

“Golf offers a compelling combination of advantages that extend far beyond the fairway,” Gendi said.

He said in addition to allowing individuals to stay active, it can improve balance and mobility, as well as help alleviate stress.

The American Stroke Association reports golfers have lower rates of death from strokes and heart attacks than nongolfers. An ASA study of 72-year-old male golfers showed a death rate of 15.1% among those who suffered strokes or heart attacks compared to 24.6% of nongolfers in the same demographic.

Put in perspective

Cindy Heiser, a member of the township’s board of directors, said a golf course has been identified as a need in resident surveys, the most recent of which was conducted in 2024.

Golf continues to grow in popularity in Texas, with golf-related employment growing by 33% from 2012 to 2023, according to an economic impact study by the Texas Alliance of Recreational Organizations Inc. It also generates $1.5 billion in annual tourism revenue for the state, according to the study.

Private golf courses have also reported increased demand, with officials from The Woodlands Resort noting the draw of its two courses.

“Recreational golf demand is expected to continue growing, supported by The Woodlands’ unique sense of seclusion despite its proximity to Houston,” said general manager Hank Reilly.

Zooming out

While there are several private golf courses in The Woodlands, there are currently no public golf courses in the township, Heiser said.

Private courses include The Woodlands Country Club and The Club at Carlton Woods.

“It’s very difficult for people to get out ... and play golf at all,” Heiser said. “So that was really the one that was the driver for considering, how could we include public golf in The Woodlands?”

The oldest course in The Woodlands opened in 1975, according to information from the developer Howard Hughes.

Golf courses in the township have also attracted several tournaments over the years. The Insperity Invitational on the PGA Tour will take place May 4-10. The Chevron Championship, previously held in The Woodlands from 2023-25, moved to Houston’s Memorial Park this year, Chevron announced Jan. 7.

In addition to outdoor sites, The Back Nine Golf has opened several indoor golf simulators in The Woodlands area, including one slated to open in February.

What's next

The township board of directors will review and select the partners for the golf course project in February, but the timeline for the construction and opening of the facility can not be estimated until a proposal is presented and deal is brokered, Nunes said.

Board members said Howard Hughes will have naming rights on the property, which was donated by the company.

Development of the course will likely not be completed until after 2027, officials said.