Adam, that's very interesting, that the short course would be more demanding than the long course. Given my topography that might be in the cards here, too.
Matt, the thread on Barwon Heads is excellent. I particularly like the comment that slower putting turf was used to "upsize" otherwise smallish greens, and to allow for more contour. I think that is something I would do here, also, as there is quite a bit of natural contour here.
JNC, that's an interesting comment about "lawn height". Part of the deal in the near term is to use the main fairway near the buildings for a playing field for the boys, so I think lawn height is a given. I didn't really know how it wold play, but if it's like an intermediate cut, it would be OK.
Ulrich, thanks for the info on the Pitch and Putt in Spain. As I love to BBQ, I've considered calling this little course "Dave's Pitch and Pork".
Adrian, what, exactly, is this "Business Plan" of which you speak.
Basically, I've got a tractor, my time, my land, and the luxury of many years to develop the property. The only thing that would change that would be if the concept were strong enough that I could tie it into something with other people's money
Here's what I'm working with as far as the site. I've got a total of 28 acres, in the shape of a bowling alley. The property is 470' wide by 2800' deep. Conveniently, that means that each 100' of depth is an acre.
The property starts at the road, then runs down towards a creek that crosses about 600' in. From there, the property heads up for about 200' to the base of a hill, that rises about 100' over the next 600'. The remaining 1400' is a series of crests and valleys. From the hill back the property is a woods, and all adjoining properties likewise, so it is quite secluded.
Here's a photo from about 300' in towards the hill, showing the paddock and shed that have been greenlighted for removal. There's a small ridge at the end of the paddock, beyond which runs a creek.
Here's the view from the ridge with the creek and the large pines.
And here's the area past the creek with the large pines in the background.
And from about the same point, looking back towards the farm buildings.
Incorporating the hill and opening up the back of the property seems the central challenge. 100' over 600' (a bit less tall if you go to the saddle) is a rise. Here's an example of how steep in sections:
But interspersed are a couple of depressions like this:
Once up the hill, the property is crossed by 3 ridges, of increasing severity and narrowness. However, they are relatively flat on the left of the property. Between the ridges are relatively level areas that run right to left (I think), and could be used for golf.
The soil in the lower area is clay. On the hill, there's copious rock, but also loamy soil, if not particularly deep.
The lower area of the property has a lot of potential for a relatively straight-forward build out of a set of short holes and greens, IMHO. Getting over the hill is a challenge, I believe, but, the payoff would be substantial. As I've thought about it, if the course goes out and back, there's a nice journey to be had from going from the home and farm up and into the wilderness, then on the return, re-entering through a very nice view of the mountains across the Hudson, and a 200yd drive with a 100' drop, or a 260yd drive over a creek and ridge to the fairway, or some such similar play.
That's what I'm working with, and thanks for all of the advice and links so far. I very much appreciate it.
Dave