While I can't prove it, I recall Jack Nicklaus once talking about the merits of a six-hole golf facility. Regardless of whether or not the Greatest Player of All Time (at least for the time being) endorses it or not, I truly believe the time has come for the six-hole golf course concept to be developed.
In fact, I'll go as far as saying that it will save the golf business.
As a lifetime employee in the golf biz I find myself concerned about the aging population. Sure, we are going to see a surge over the next decade or so as the Baby Boomers retire and head to the links, buy their vacation homes on golf developments, and travel to the golf destinations they have been dreaming about for the past 40 years. But what happens when they get to the point that they stop traveling, start downsizing, and slowly begin to play less and less rounds?
I am part of the next generation, the one that grew up on television, video games, fast food and as a result has the attention span of a 5 year old without his riddilin. I work a lot of hours, spend as much time with my wife as I can, and as a result play very little golf anymore. It's really a shame, but the only time I play these days is with clients. Truth be told, my wife enjoys golf and will gladly hit balls with me or practice whenever I mention it. We'll sneak out on occasion and walk the local muni in the evenings when we aren't in anyone's way (she's still getting her game back after a long layoff).
The challenge for me is, I really dislike the service, conditions and environment at the courses that offer convenient golf in our neighborhood. This is a shame because I have 45 holes of crappy city-owned golf within 10 minutes of my doorstep. I'm not trying to be a golf snob, but after 20+ years in the golf biz I expect a basic level of competency and unfortunately it's not available. I suspect this is the case in many cities across the US.
My solution? Someone take these money-losing city owned dumps (yes, the golf courses and some land-fills), and convert them into wonderful, six-hole layouts that take 75 to 90 minutes to play. Take the remaining land and build a great practice facility. Turn the old clubhouses into a local pub or sportsbar. Nothing too fancy, just a place inviting enough to maybe grab a sandwich and a cold beer after sneaking out for 6 holes on a Tuesday evening. Maybe even put in a pool, offer a small membership program. How about some meeting space in case you wanted to do a meeting plus golf?
Start a great Player Development Program. Give the local First Tee organization office space.
With enough land you could build three six-hole tracks so someone could get in 18 in if they wanted.
To me this certainly seems like a project that any organization that was interested in growing the game of golf (PGA of America, PGA TOUR, USGA, etc.) would jump all over. Maybe even equipment manufacturers should fund this project. Just so that 20 years from now they actually have someone avid enough about golf to sell their clubs to.
Someone please tell me I'm crazy and why this model wouldn't work. I know it won't replace the classic courses of our world or the desire to spend 4 hours outdoors with your golf pals. But if you want to grow the number of participants, let's break this incredibly time consuming, intimidating, expensive sport into little pieces and grow it up from there.
Additional Resource: An article I found that is doing this concept in London
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