A new approach to course redevelopment

A new company is aiming to help golf course owners redesign their tracks while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and unlocking new revenue streams through strategic land reuse.

Green Lake Golf launched in March with roots in sustainability and water conservation. The company is headed by Jeff Schwinkendorf, a longtime golf executive who has previously worked for Wadsworth Golf Construction, the PGA Tour and Troon, and finance veteran Jamie Cook, who previously led all finance and accounting for OB Sports.

Schwinkendorf and Cook are leaning on their experience to introduce a multi-phased review of golf course assets to determine viability for redevelopment. Their process identifies potential legal and regulatory hurdles, evaluates viable golf course adjustments and the optimal use of “unlocked” developable land, and how sustainability best practices may be applied throughout.

“Our mission is to guide golf course owners toward sustainability without sacrificing profitability,” Schwinkendorf said. “We provide a seamless, comprehensive solution to navigate the complexities of redesign, rezoning and land sales — ensuring both environmental and financial success.”

By offering a comprehensive, turnkey solution that integrates golf course renovation, legal advisement, real estate services and sustainability best practices, the company hopes to help owners to modernize their properties while enhancing financial viability.

Sam Thomas, developments director for sustainable golf at GEO Foundation, described the “integrative approach, combining design, legal, real estate, and sustainability expertise” as “an exemplar model for climate-resilient land management.”