Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1981

Thesis Director

William F. Buckellew

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the feasibility of installing a nine-hole, par three golf course at Eastern Illinois University. An analysis of selected feasibility factors included a population and age distribution survey for Charleston and Coles County; a topographical survey of the proposed new golf course site; an inventory of existing area golf courses; and, a demand analysis to ascertain the need for a new golf course.

Census figures were used to estimate population and age distribution trends in Charleston and Coles County. The topographical survey was comprised mainly of a soil sample analysis of the proposed site. Selected soil samples extracted from the site were taken to the Crop Chemical Testing Service in Arcola, Illinois for an analysis.

A total of 186 subjects participated in the demand survey including sixty-three faculty members and sixty-seven students from Eastern Illinois University, and fifty-six subjects who represented the community of Charleston. Each subject was given a sixteen question, objective-type questionnaire. Responses were tabulated for each question and were measured in terms of frequency distribution. Percentages were calculated for each given response to observe which response category was most preferred. Also, an one-way analysis of variance determined any significant differences among the three subject groups in their responses.

The results indicated that Charleston increased its population by 83.2 percent over the past twenty years. However , only 11.75 percent of this increase was assigned for the years 1970 to 1980. Young people, aged eighteen to twenty-four, comprised the largest percentage of the population of Charleston. Although four golf courses were found to exist in Coles County, no nine-hole, par three golf courses were available. A soil analysis of the proposed site proved conclusively that a soil rehabilitation program was necessary to increase the levels of potassium and phosphorus. The demand analysis demonstrated a desire for a new nine-hole, par three golf course at Eastern Illinois University. Paradoxically, the subjects indicated only a minimal degree of estimated use for the proposed course.

It was concluded that the existing golf course at Eastern Illinois University was inadequate and that a new golf course was needed. User's fees was regarded as the most preferred method of funding the new golf course.

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