Golf courses and country clubs are increasingly being approached by wireless carriers and infrastructure companies about installing cell towers on their property. At first glance, the idea of a large steel structure on pristine, well-manicured grounds might seem off-putting. But for many course owners and general managers, these proposals are an opportunity to generate consistent, passive income—without disrupting play or aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why cell tower companies are so interested in golf courses, what a typical installation looks like, what kind of rental income you can expect, and how to negotiate a favorable deal that protects your property’s value.
Why Are Cell Tower Companies Targeting Golf Courses?
The answer is simple: land.
Golf courses often span 100 to 200 acres or more and contain vast areas of open space. From a wireless carrier’s point of view, these wide-open tracts of land are a rare and valuable asset in densely developed communities. Many golf courses are surrounded by residential neighborhoods where zoning restrictions make cell tower construction difficult or nearly impossible.
Wireless carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and formerly Sprint are constantly upgrading and expanding their networks to meet the growing demand for faster, more reliable service. That’s where golf courses come into play. The combination of:
- Large land parcels
- Low-density usage
- Strategic elevation or topography
- Proximity to residential zones
…makes golf courses the ideal candidate for discreet but powerful cell tower installations.
What Does a Cell Tower Installation Look Like on a Golf Course?
Most of the time, these installations are what we call stealth or camouflage towers. The most popular form is the monopine—a faux pine tree that blends in with other natural vegetation on the course.
For example, in 2019, an AT&T stealth tower was installed next to a driving range in Carlsbad, California. From the ground, it appears to be just another tree on the course, albeit one with a slightly artificial look upon closer inspection. Still, for golfers enjoying the round or members relaxing at the clubhouse, it’s barely noticeable.
When working with a golf course, we always emphasize aesthetic integration. As the course owner or general manager, you have full control over how the tower will look and where it will be located. Whether it’s near the maintenance yard, an out-of-play area between fairways, or tucked behind a grove of trees, the goal is to install it in a way that’s functional yet unobtrusive.
How Much Rent Can a Golf Course Charge for a Cell Tower?
Here’s where things get interesting—and lucrative.
Golf courses are in a unique position compared to, say, a strip mall or a rooftop lease. Because golf courses typically have high land value and are often situated in difficult-to-zone areas, you can command a premium for your lease.
Rent can vary depending on the location, the carrier, and the type of equipment being installed. That said, here’s a general range for what you might expect:
- Initial monthly rent: Contact Airwave Advisors to discuss
- Annual escalations: 2% to 4% annually
- Signing bonuses or upfront payments: In some cases, wireless companies will offer signing incentives to secure your property quickly.
These leases typically run for 25 to 30 years, which means you could be looking at $1 million or more in lifetime income from a single cell tower lease.
What Terms Should We Ask For in a Cell Tower Lease?
Rent is just one piece of the puzzle. When negotiating a lease, it’s important to think long-term and consider the following:
- Location Control: You want to define where exactly the tower and any equipment shelters will be placed. You should retain final design approval.
- Aesthetics and Landscaping: Require the tenant to maintain the look of the tower to your standards, including periodic upkeep of any stealth concealment.
- Access Rights: Make sure any maintenance access paths do not disrupt play or interfere with course operations.
- Revenue Sharing: If the tower is a multi-tenant structure (i.e., more than one carrier uses it), you may be entitled to a portion of the additional revenue.
- Right of First Refusal or Lease Buyout Protections: If the carrier tries to sell the lease or access rights to a third party, you should have a say.
What About Buyouts? Should We Sell Our Lease?
We frequently hear from golf courses that have been approached by companies offering to buy out their cell tower leases. These offers can be tempting—often promising large lump sums upfront.
However, it’s important to know that many of these buyout offers are significantly below market value.
Take the example of one of our clients, the Oakdale Golf & Country Club. They were approached by AT&T with an offer to buy out their lease. Fortunately, they contacted us first. After reviewing the offer, we determined that the deal was undervalued by nearly $100,000. We were able to negotiate two separate deals that dramatically increased their payout while protecting their long-term interests.
Our club had been contacted by AT&T about possibly buying out our lease. They were trying to strong arm us into taking the deal, luckily we found Nick Foster and his company Airwave Advisors. Nick negotiated two different deals for almost $100,000 more than what AT&T offered us. Nick was there for us anytime we called. We were pleasantly pleased with our transaction so much so that we passed Nick’s name on to others. We trust and endorse Airwave Advisors for your cell tower lease transaction.
– Rick S., General Manager, Oakdale Golf & Country Club
What About Liability or Interference With Golf Operations?
This is a common concern, but one that’s usually easy to address in the design phase.
The tower itself can be installed in an area that’s not in play—such as behind a maintenance shed or off the edge of a fairway. Equipment shelters are typically small and unobtrusive, and access roads can be positioned so that they do not cross or interfere with cart paths or course maintenance.
As for liability, the wireless carrier or their tower company typically carries substantial insurance and indemnifies you, the property owner, from any damage or risk related to the tower.
Are Cell Towers Safe?
Cell towers operate under strict federal guidelines enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Numerous studies and decades of research have shown that the RF (radio frequency) emissions from these towers are well below the safety limits established by health authorities.
The vast majority of installations are completely safe and do not pose any risk to staff, members, or guests. That said, the tower should be placed in a way that minimizes direct exposure to occupied areas, which is generally not difficult on a golf course.
Do Golf Courses Have to Pay for Installation or Maintenance?
No. The wireless carrier or tower company pays for:
- The design
- Permitting
- Construction
- Ongoing maintenance
Your role is simply to grant access to the land and approve the terms of the agreement. In exchange, you collect rent with little to no ongoing responsibility.
Can We Still Use the Land Around the Tower?
Yes. Most installations occupy a relatively small footprint—often just 200 to 400 square feet. As long as you don’t interfere with the tower’s operation or block signal propagation, you can landscape around it, maintain course conditions, and use the surrounding area for other non-intrusive purposes.
How Airwave Advisors Can Help
At Airwave Advisors, we specialize in helping golf course owners and general managers navigate the complex world of cell tower leases. Whether you’re being contacted for a new lease or considering a buyout of an existing one, we’re here to help you:
- Evaluate your options
- Maximize your income
- Protect your property
- Negotiate fair, long-term deals
We’ve assisted clients all over the country, and our experience in the golf industry gives us the edge to get you the best deal possible.
Final Thoughts
Installing a cell tower on a golf course may not have been in your master plan—but in today’s hyper-connected world, it’s an opportunity that’s worth serious consideration.
When done right, a cell tower can generate significant long-term income, enhance local wireless coverage, and blend in seamlessly with your course’s natural beauty. But it takes the right negotiation strategy, industry knowledge, and legal protections to get the deal you deserve.
If you’re ready to explore a cell tower lease opportunity—or just want a second opinion on an offer you’ve received—contact us at Airwave Advisors. We’re happy to walk you through the process and help you make an informed, profitable decision.
Call Us Today
(888) 443-5101
About Nick G. Foster
Since founding Airwave Advisors® in 2014, Mr. Foster has added value to over 400 clients ranging from the State of Nevada, City of Beverly Hills, to Habitat For Humanity. Mr. Foster focuses on cell tower lease renewals, buyouts, new lease negotiation, and cell site lease management. Prior to starting Airwave Advisors® Mr. Foster founded and led the Cell Site Services Group within nationwide commercial real estate services leader Cassidy Turley (now known as Cushman & Wakefield).