JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A site that was once home to garbage will soon be the sight of Jacksonville's newest golf course that will give golfers an experience they won't find at other courses in the area.

After causing a stink for years, the former Sunbeam Road Landfill will soon be the site of a state-of-the-art clubhouse, pro shop and a nine-hole course.

The landfill, which shut down in the 80s, is located near the intersection of Sunbeam and Craven roads in Mandarin.

"If it's a quality project, I'm all for it. I have no objections to it at all," said Ed Dooley, a supporter of the new course.

Boasting 225 acres, the pristine plot to soon become a golf course is full of wildlife and potential -- and waste.

The site is covered with a 3-foot deep cap, which prevents the elements from coming in and waste from coming out.

Dane Cates, the president of the Retirement Corp. of America who is spearheading this project, said there's no reason to be concerned about the land's previous use.

"Whether it's for placing irrigation, building up the green and tees -- all that has to be built above the landfill so the cap's in place and will remain in place," Cates said.

Many Florida golf courses are completely flat, but the one being built on Sunbeam Road will be different. Golfers will get the unique experience of golfing in the rolling hills without ever having to leave the state.

"It'll be an affordable place for local people that they can come out, spend two hours to play golf and if they want to go around again to get 18 in, they can do that, too," Cates said.

Beyond the course's green will be homes designed with baby boomers in mind.

"Empty nesters, active adults -- they're all single-story condos with two-car garages," Cates said.

Ernest Wilkes, who is looking forward to using the golf course, said he thinks turning the old pile of garbage into something fun is the way to go.

"It's a great thing to do with a landfill instead of just having a big 'ol pile of stuff there," Wilkes said. " I live nearby and plan to use it."

The new golf course is expected to be finished by next fall.