Golf doesn’t have to be “one size fits all.” You can enjoy the game in many different ways. An evening trip to your local driving range or a quick 18 holes on your favorite mini-golf course. Who doesn’t love the “Windmill” hole?
We don’t always have the time or money to invest in an 18-hole round on a championship golf course. That’s okay. You can still get outside, get some exercise, and hit a few shots. Explore the different alternative golf options in your area.
Pitch and Putt is a relatively new concept and they’re starting to open up around the world. It’s a quick and cheap way to enjoy the game you love. Do you only have an hour? Try a Pitch and Putt.
What Is Pitch And Putt?
You can define a Pitch and Putt in a few different ways. The shortest definition, Pitch and Putt is minimalist golf.
Not clear enough? Let’s take a look a the name. It’s a short golf course where all you have to do is hit pitch shots and putt. They can have as few as 6 holes or up to 18. All of the holes are less than 100 yards. From the tee boxes, you hit a pitch on the green and then putt out. Nice and simple.
Another description of Pitch and Putts might be a short par-3 course. You can still try to make birdies and even challenge your buddies in a “skins” game. You’re still playing golf, it’s just shorter. It’s less time, less money, and yet the same amount of fun.
We’ve highlighted five facts below that are often overlooked when considering the Pitch and Putt option.
5 Little Known Facts About Pitch And Putt
Fact #1: Less Equipment Needed
You have a much lower barrier to entry. If you’re new to the game, golf equipment can be intimidating. To play on a championship course you need 14 clubs, a bag, balls, and a golf glove. This is a significant investment that can cost a golfer $2k+.
Pitch and Putt is much simpler. You can enjoy the short course with a couple of wedges, a putter, and a lightweight golf bag. If you have a buddy that plays golf, they probably have these clubs sitting around their garage. Ask to borrow them, put them in your golf bag, and head to the Pitch and Putt.
Fact #2: Great For Kids
Getting kids hooked on golf is critical to growing the game. We need to develop a passion for the sport in the next generation. Unfortunately, golf can be hard for younger kids. It moves slow, takes hours to play, and can quickly get frustrating.
If only there was a better way. A style of golf that could be played quickly and has shorter holes so the aspiring junior golfer in your life could get the taste of making a par. Oh wait, I think we just described Pitch and Putt.
Pitch and Putt is the perfect way to introduce your son or daughter to the game. They learn the concepts of golf without the frustration of trying to play a full-length course. Get them started on a Pitch and Putt and before you know it they might be beating you on a championship course.
Fact #3: Ease Your Way Into Golf
Getting started in the game of golf as an adult can be challenging. All of your buddies play and you want to join in, but you don’t want to embarrass yourself. Ease your way into their weekend group by practicing at a Pitch and Putt.
You’ll learn how to hit your wedges and make putts. You’ll learn golf etiquette and get comfortable with how to play around the greens. A combination of the driving range for your longer clubs and Pitch and Putt for your shorter ones is a great way for an adult to start their golf journey.
Fact #4: Sharpen Your Short Game
Pitch and Putt isn’t just for kids and beginners. It also can be the perfect way for an advanced player to sharpen their short game. The famous golf statistic is that 60%+ of your stroke during a round are played from within 100 yards of the hole.
How long are Pitch and Putt holes again? If I remember correctly, the answer is 100 yards or less. Pitch and Putt gives the experienced player a chance to lock in their wedge shots and try to roll in birdie putts. Do you think you are too good to play a Pitch and Putt course? Go try one and see if you can shoot under par (play every hole as a par 3). It’s much harder to do than you think.
There’s a negative stigma out there that Pitch and Putt courses are for players that can’t handle a “real” course. This is fiction. They’re perfect for all levels of golfers.
Fact #5: All The Fun of Golf – Less Time & Money
The USGA (United States Golf Association) does annual studies on what golfers enjoy and what they hate. Their goal is to grow the game and get more people involved.
The top two dissatisfiers every year are that a round of golf takes too long and it costs too much to play. A normal round of golf can take 5+ hours on the weekend, but you can zip around a Pitch and Putt in less than 60 minutes. The cost to play a Pitch and Putt is a fraction of what you will pay to play 18 at your local public course.
Is it the exact same experience as playing a championship course? Of course not, but you can still have a blast. Bring some buddies and play a match. You still get the excitement of rolling in a birdie putt or saving par when you miss a green.
Give Pitch & Putt A Try
It is pretty simple. If you love golf, you’ll enjoy playing a Pitch and Putt. They’re a great way to get started with golf or sharpen the game you’ve been playing for years.
Trying to get your child, spouse, or buddy involved in the game? Pitch and Putt might just be the style of golf that gets them interested. Don’t wait, find a Pitch and Putt in your area today and give it a try.
