Photo courtesy of The Woodlands TownshipNews
The Woodlands Township moves forward with Golf Course, Board approves Ground Lease Agreement
The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved a Ground Lease Agreement with Forest Capital Partners, LP during its July 23, 2026, Board meeting, marking a significant milestone toward the development of a new short course golf complex and associated amenities in the South Gosling area.
The project will be developed through a public private partnership, with Forest Capital Partners making a minimum capital investment of $12 million to design, construct, operate and maintain the facility. The Township will invest $2.5 million in supporting infrastructure, while retaining ownership of the improvements at the conclusion of the lease. Construction of the initial improvements is expected to be completed within 30 months, with the facility anticipated to open in early 2029.
The new public golf complex will provide residents with access to a unique recreational amenity that has long been identified as a community need. Planned amenities include a lighted nine-hole short course, a 200 plus yard driving range, dedicated putting and practice greens, a pitching area, restaurant and bar, pickleball courts and spaces for social games such as cornhole, washers and ladder ball. The concept complements future trails, open space and other recreational opportunities that may be developed on the South Gosling property.
“This project reflects our Board’s continued commitment to investing in high-quality recreational amenities that enhance life in The Woodlands while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Township Chairman Brad Bailey. “Over the past four years, we have expanded parks, added new turf fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds and other community amenities without raising taxes. This public private partnership allows us to bring a first of its kind golf facility to our community, create a destination residents and visitors will enjoy for years to come and generate revenue that benefits The Woodlands.”
The approximately 50-acre development site is part of the larger South Gosling property (208 acres) and is designed to integrate with the future Spring Creek Greenway and surrounding recreational amenities. The South Gosling property is located in the Village of Creekside Park, bordered by South Gosling Road to the west and Spring Creek to the north and east.
The agreement follows an extensive planning and competitive procurement process that began with the Township’s Strategic Planning Initiative in May 2025, which identified publicly accessible golf as an unmet recreational need. Following a Request for Proposals, Early Bird Management’s proposal was selected in February 2026, leading to the negotiated Lease Agreement with Forest Capital Partners, LP, an Early Bird subsidiary, which was approved by the Board on July 23.
Source: The Woodlands Township
