GOLF COURSE FINANCING

Whether you’re playing for leisure or taking a client out on the links to close a big deal, golf is as popular as ever. In addition to the fun, golf is also a big business. Golf courses around the U.S. generate more than $20 billion in annual revenue and employ more than 300,000 people. If you need property financing for your golf course, you can count on PHD Financial to sink that putt!

Golf Course Loan Terms

In general, golf course loan terms include:

  • Loan Size: $1 million+
  • Loan Purpose: Loan can be used for property acquisition or refinancing, but cannot be used for business only-financing
  • Loan Term: 3, 5, 7 and 10-year fixed rate terms
  • Amortization: 15, 20, 25 and 30-year options
  • Leverage: 55%- 75% LTV allowance
  • DSCR: 1.50 minimum DSCR
  • Credit Score Requirement: 660 minimum

SBA Loans for Golf Courses

While privately-insured loans are often the most common form of financing for golf course owners, the SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 may actually be a better fit. SBA loans allow golf course operators to buy equipment and fund working capital, making these loans much more versatile for business owners who need more than just property to jumpstart their business growth. While SBA financing has a lot of benefits, it also has stricter requirements than many other loans, including increased credit score requirements.

Bridge Loans for Golf Courses

For golf courses that may not qualify for permanent financing, a bridge loan may be the ideal solution– especially for courses that need a quick rehabilitation. In some situations, this is done in order to add value to a golf course property before an intended sale, while in other cases, it’s more of a stop-gap used in the transition to permanent financing.

Bridge loans typically offer terms including:

 

  • Loan Size: $1 million+
  • Term: 12-24 months.
  • Leverage: Up to 75% LTC
  • Amortization: Interest only
  • Recourse: Non-Recourse options available
  • Rates From 4.75%
  • Prepayment penalties: Usually none
  • Fees: From 2% of the loan amount