As demand for housing intensifies, developers are seeing potential for construction in struggling golf courses, such as the Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, writes Keith Schneider for The New York Times.

However, they often face challenges when trying to develop on closed courses, including community resistance and strict zoning regulations.

“You have a great piece of real estate,” said Jonathan S. Grebow, founder and chief executive of Ridgewood Real Estate Partners. “But after closing, it can take three, four, five years to start construction.”

New Jersey-based Ridgewood is collaborating with Concert Golf Partners of Florida to redevelop several exclusive private golf clubs in Pennsylvania. The two companies are working on a project to renovate the Philmont Country Club clubhouse and construct homes on part of the closed South Course.

The current plan calls for 176 units on 61 acres that will be integrated into the country club by allowing residents internal access to the clubhouse and other amenities.

“It’s a strong model for helping clubs stay in business,” said Peter Nanula, chief executive of Concert Golf. “Club members who are volunteers can’t do this work by themselves.”

Read more about the development plans for the Philmont Country Club in The New York Times.