As cities grapple with housing shortages and environmental concerns, the repurposing of golf courses has emerged as a significant topic of urban planning. Proponents argue that many golf courses, particularly those built during the 1990s golf boom, occupy vast amounts of land that could be more efficiently utilized for high-density or affordable housing. This is especially relevant in arid regions like Las Vegas, where the maintenance of large, grass-covered fairways requires significant water resources that some argue could be better allocated elsewhere.

The case of the Badlands Golf Club in Las Vegas serves as a primary example of this tension. Once a centerpiece of a master-planned community, the site has become a focal point for local debates regarding land use and development rights. While some residents and planners see these sites as 'ideal canvases' for addressing the housing crisis, others emphasize the private property rights of course owners and the potential impact on surrounding property values. The transition from recreational green space to residential zones involves complex zoning regulations and community pushback, making the conversion process slow and often contentious. While the environmental argument focuses on water conservation, the economic argument highlights the potential to increase housing supply in areas where land is otherwise scarce.