Pitch and putt can rejuvenate golf

Adam Scott, from Australia, hits for the sand to the 10th green during the first round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. AP Photo/Mark Duncan

Par 3 golf courses are nothing new. Fairly dodgy goat tracks – but nothing new. However, there’s a recent phenomenon that has proven to be a popular alternative to regular golf. It’s called pitch and putt and it could be golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket and rugby sevens.

Not to be confused with mini-golf, pitch and putt (or pitch’n’putt) evolved in the late 19th century, emerging in American and British hotels as an alternative to the long game, where only a short driver and putter were used. It then became known as ‘garden golf’. It lay dormant for years until emerging again in 1940s Ireland, before eventually becoming known as pitch and putt.

Today, over 2000 people regularly play the sport every weekend across Australia, with more joining in every year. The game is just like regular golf, 18 holes with the same objective, except for a few minor adjustments.

Each hole must not exceed 90 metres. An entire 18 hole course cannot exceed 1,200 metres. Only 2 clubs and a putter are permitted. The use of the tee at the tee is compulsory.

There is also a separate handicap system to golf.

Probably the best part of the deal though – no dress rules. In fact at my last outing at a pitch and putt club, I witnessed some of the most relaxed dress sense I’ve ever seen on a course. There was one ‘gentleman’ wearing three quarter pants, thongs and a Bundaberg Rum t-shirt. Maybe that’s just in Queensland but the relaxed atmosphere is infectious.

There are eight official pitch and putt venues across Australia. Though this may seem like a modest number, here’s something to consider – there are seventeen countries with pitch and putt associations across the globe, including Australia, with thousands of members each. In conjunction with these, there is the European Pitch and Putt Association (EPPA) comprising of 10 national teams.

President of the Australian Pitch and Putt Association, Tim Terrell, says there is the possibility for further expansion of pitch and putt in Australia.

“There are many layouts that are designated par 3 courses and we believe many of these could potentially support pitch and putt,” Terrell said.

But what does Terrell think the best asset of pitch and putt is?

“It’s definitely the fact than absolutely anyone can play – young and old. And the necessary skills of the game can be acquired quite quickly. It’s not unusual for a new player of average ability starting with the maximum handicap to become a scratch player in 2 – 3 years of regular play, which is something most golfers don’t experience,” he said.

Though pitch and putt may sound like an easier alternative, it does put pressure on one’s short game, and with all the same hazards such as water and bunkers, a 50 metre hole is harder than you may think.

That’s why I reckon it could be a viable way to rejuvenate the game of golf.

Most of the pros, including one Tiger Woods, started out on pitch and putt courses, and hall-of-famer Seve Ballesteros spends his days now designing pitch and putt layouts.

With the success of Twenty20 cricket and rugby sevens, who’s to say a shorter, faster, sexier version of golf wouldn’t take off?

Try and imagine it. Sponsored all-star pitch and putt teams comprising of the greatest golfers past and present. It could be an around-the-world year long tournament, or one month of the year event. Similar to the IPL, businesses could bid for players or alternatively the money raised could go to charity. It could even be played under lights at night, or during the day.

The options are endless, as are the rewards.

Not only would it further promote the expansion on pitch and putt golf, but it would also get some more interest into the game, for those who don’t like the idea of spending the whole day walking 5km in the heat. And even better, it would get more kids into it, as well as overhauling the daggy image of golf being a boring, slow, old man’s sport, where you have to dress in argyle.

Pitch and putt might just be one of the most diverse, entertaining, laid-back, yet undeniably challenging versions of golf ever formed. Far more engaging than mini-golf and less monotonous than going to a driving range. And considering its appeal is not restricted to certain age groups, the game can definitely going to grow from here.