Photo Credit: The Woodlands TownshipNews
Township Public Golf Course: Board approves Proposal to develop Short Course
The Woodlands Township is moving forward with plans to bring a new public recreation amenity to the 208-acre South Gosling Tract, following action by the Board of Directors at its February 26, 2026, meeting.
The Township received the 208-acre parcel from The Woodlands Development Company, a subsidiary of Howard Hughes, in 2023 with the intent of developing the land for recreational purposes. Throughout 2024, the Township conducted extensive due diligence and site analysis, including a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Cultural Resource Report, wildfire assessment, wetlands delineation, topographical survey and other related studies to better understand the property’s characteristics and opportunities.
As part of the Board of Directors Strategic Planning Workshop in May 2025, the Board created the Ad Hoc South Gosling Tract and Public Golf Committee, composed of three Board members and three residents. The committee was tasked with evaluating potential uses for the tract and identifying community needs. Through its work, the committee identified access to public golf as an unmet need within The Woodlands.
On December 4, 2025, the Board authorized the release of a Request for Proposals for a Public Private Partnership to develop a short golf course along with food and entertainment amenities on the South Gosling Tract, using the northernmost 50 +/- acres. A primary objective of the RFP was to leverage private investment to enhance the community’s park system while delivering a public asset for residents.
The RFP was publicly advertised in the Houston Chronicle on December 17 and December 24, 2025, shared with known interested parties and included a formal question and answer process with addenda and clearly established submission deadlines. Three proposals were received.
Proposals were evaluated based on the completeness and strength of each concept, including financial approach, design vision and adherence to The Woodlands planning principles. The three respondents offered distinct concepts:
- Park Golf proposed a “Sand Lot” concept featuring synthetic turf tees
- Early Bird proposed a short golf course combined with additional recreation amenities and a restaurant partner
- American Golf presented management experience with a more limited conceptual design
- At its February 26 meeting, the Board of Directors approved authorizing the President and Chief Executive Officer to commence negotiations with Early Bird for the development of a short golf course and related recreation amenities on the South Gosling Tract. If negotiations with Early Bird are unsuccessful, the Board authorized staff to begin discussions with Park Golf.
During the February 26 meeting, the Board emphasized that any future development must reflect The Woodlands ethos. This includes limiting tree removal, leveraging water conservation methods that may include the use of effluent water and reducing the visual footprint of the course from Gosling Road. The Board also noted that Township staff would not operate the golf course. Operations would be managed through a third-party agreement.
“Expanding access to public golf has been a priority for me, and I am proud of the thoughtful steps we are taking to make that vision a reality,” said Chairman Brad Bailey. “This is about creating more opportunities for residents of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the game right here in The Woodlands.”
Over the coming weeks and months, Township staff will work with the selected partner to develop a proposed agreement addressing key elements such as design standards, risk mitigation, performance standards, financial terms and resident access and use.
Once negotiations are complete, the proposed terms will be presented to the Board of Directors for consideration at a future open meeting.
Source: The Woodlands Township
