Public Golf Facilities that Raise the Bar

Colby Norton

Natural Lines Golf

INTRODUCTION

Since 2018, there has been over a 9% increase of participation in golf throughout America (National Golf Foundation). With this growth in popularity for the game, this has led to monumental golf course restorations, renovations, and fun and new ideas when it comes to golf design and growing the game. Many private courses that have the funds and flexibility grab the attention of the golf design enthusiasts and media, but here we will highlight the public, municipalities, and even par 3 courses under the lights that have and will have impacts on their communities. Some of these courses even capture the golden age architecture features that their courses have lost overtime, and some put golden age features into a property that didn’t feature them before. Public golfers should have the same quality of golf course playability in the courses they play as much as private golf club members.

        People travel from all over to play resort courses that can cost 300 dollars a round making it hard for some golfers to have the experience of traveling and playing a few good public golf courses with their buddies. Buying groceries is expensive enough nowadays and it’s hard for people to set aside 300 dollars to play one round of golf. Luckily there is hope with few public courses and Muni’s where cities and investors fund money to restore, renovate, or create something new for the golf community to enjoy with a good quality golf course design. There are some of these experiences that are now worth traveling to, with a great city and public golf that is affordable to pay for a round. With the courses listed, we also investigate the atmosphere and amenities that come with a good quality public golf course to attract even non-golfers to spend their money at the facilities.

Short Courses

Golden Gate Park - San Francisco, CA - Jay Blasi Design - $40 - $50 Non-Resident

Blasi really took advantage of the landscape of this beautiful 40 acres to construct a natural and bold 9-hole par 3 course open to golfers of all ages and skill types. There are tons of fairway and short grass from tee to green making it playable for everyone. The greens and their surrounds are severe enough to be a challenge for the best golfers and fun for all. Players can run their ball up to the green and use the contours around the greens to get their ball closer to the pin locations. Greens vary in shapes and sizes for very fun and challenging pin positions. Players can top a ball from a lot of the tee boxes and still make it to the green, and there is enough severe contouring around the greens to give a challenge for the scratch golfer. Golden Gate Park is an example of what many Munis and public courses around the country can take advantage of when it comes to the number of great architects now present in the country. If you can open your course up a little bit, add some boldness to it while making it playable and fun for all skill levels, you will attract more golfers. Boldness is something all public courses should take advantage of to keep golfers coming back.

Grass Clippings Rolling Hills - Tempe, AZ - Jackson Kahn Design - Dependent on time and demand

Rolling Hills is one of the unique golf experiences in the country. During the day the course is an 18-hole par 59 layout during the day (5 par 4’s) and an 18-hole par 3 courses under the lights at night. What separates this place from most public shorts is the social scene and events. They have an outdoor bar, event lawn, concert venue, and a newly renovated clubhouse to attract even those who are new to the game to have a good time. Public golf should be FUN, and Grass Clippings took it to a whole new level to make it a popular hangout spot in the area for golfers and non-golfers. Other places can take notice on how to grow the game if you create a fun atmosphere outside of a fun and playable course you can attract newcomers to want to start playing after hearing all the post round chatter at the outdoor bar. They even hosted the Good Good Dessert open Feb. 7th which included a famous YouTube golfer and attracted a large crowd and was live on NBC Peacock. The night golf gives them the opportunity to host fun events like the Grass League, where amateur and professional players play on a team and compete for a purse with crowds that come out to watch. Could Grass Clippings start something new in the world of public golf?

The Cradle - Pinehurst, NC - Hane Golf Design - $50 with free replays

Every golf fan knows or has heard about the Cradle at Pinehurst. Gil Hanse created one of the most fun golfing experiences in the country with this short par 3 course with demanding shots ranging from 56 to 127 yards. The contours on the greens make it possible to feed a ball towards the hole and if you miss the green in a deep bunker or runoff area, you can use these contours to your advantage, but you must be creative. One of the best parts about The Cradle is the full-service bar on the course which calls for a good time with the buddies. There are many opportunities available in the public golf scene to create something like The Cradle, as it appeals to a wide range of consumers. The creativity and fun that comes along with it, and of course keeping the golfers coming back waiting for an ace to come their way is something more properties in public golf can take advantage of.

The Park Lit 9 - West Palm Beach, FL - Hanse Golf Design - $30 Non-Residents

Another par 3 course under the lights and this time at The Park. Two tiered greens, natural bunkering, and false fronts call for a fun night round on great course conditions. Use the short grass and contours around the greens to feed your ball towards the pin but watch out for runoff areas and bunkers. The Cabana is an outdoor bar and dine area right next to the 18-hole putting course which keeps golfers in store for a fun night of golf (something you don’t say often). A great spot for anyone to enjoy some food, drinks, and golf under the lights. A lot of golf courses, even the ones listed here, can take notes from The Park because of the Cabana and its proximity to the golfing grounds which creates a fun and playful atmosphere.

Butler Pitch and Putt, Austin, TX - $15.50 Walking Only

Butler is the perfect golf hangout spot right in the heart of one of the fastest growing cities in the nation. This pitch and putt 9 hole offer holes ranging from 61 yards to 101 yards, with plenty of fun to be had around the greens. The greens aren’t just fun, but the outdoor patio and hangout area right next to the practice putting green is as well. With cornhole, food trucks, live music and drinks, it is a place where even those who don’t golf can go and have a great time outdoors. This concept of having this fun outdoor space is something all public courses need to take advantage of, as you get people who have never played the game get a glimpse of the golfers out on the course and get intrigued to go and play a few holes. No need to tuck any shirts in, or in fact have a shirt on. A simple way to grow the game and get more rounds for the course. Butler also has their own merchandise where they sell on their online store and in their pro shop. They have a unique take on style and fashion which matches their brand and culture. Butler is a great example on how to grow the game and get people out on the course for the sake of having a good time. Can see places like this getting a big crowd with a great atmosphere on the weekends.

9 & 18 Holers

Winter Park 9 - Orlando, FL - Rhebb and Johns Golf Course Design - $24 Walking

Originally built in 1914 with a 2016 renovation, Winter Park 9 brings about a fun and playable 9-hole, 2480 yard par 35. The renovation brought golden age-like boldness and features such as a Redan like par 3 and a Lions Mouth green. There is also boldness to be found when it comes to the greens and their surrounds making it possible for players to use contours to feed the ball closer to the holes or even miss hits to find a way towards the putting surface. The short par 4’s and reachable par 5’s makes up for their length with small greens with undulations where you don’t want to miss on the wrong side or it will be a tough scramble, and trees where you must take a risk of cutting the corner to get an advantage. Connecting fairways that continue after the tee boxes and lots of short grass makes it playable for newcomers to the game and making them want to come back, which is something all public courses should take note of. The connecting fairways where you can see to the hole next to one you are playing on creates a better social and public golf atmosphere while keeping healthy turf conditions. Winter Park sets a standard for public golf with its thoughtful renovation and green fees for the full 9 holes being under $30 for even a non-resident.

Park Mammoth Golf Club - Park City, KY - Brian Ross - Dynamic pricing ranges from $68 - $106 depending on demand and time

Just south of Louisville, Brian Ross designed a special public golf spot with wide corridors and fairways, a variety of green shapes and sizes, and fun rolling undulations in all the short grasses. At only 6,200 yards, the strategic and penal bunkering with green shapes that can make home for tough pins, make Park Mammoth a fun challenge for all golfers. Like many of the fun and playable courses mentioned in this article, this course brings golfers many opportunities to use the slopes of the fairways to run the ball up to certain hole locations on the green. Golden Age features can be found here including the Redan like 2nd. A beautiful clubhouse and grille with an outdoor space overlooking the entire property makes for a great atmosphere. Not to mention, a new 9-hole short course in the making alongside a Himalayan style putting green that can be lit up for night play. These additions will keep golfers on property for longer while attracting those looking for an affordable quality golf experience.  They also offer stay and play packages where they have patterned with a nearby hotel in Bowling Green, making this a good opportunity for an affordable, good quality golf trip. Park Mammoth is a place where affordable buddy golf trips with top tier golf can happen.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club - South Pittsburg - TN - King-Collins Golf Course Design -$125 for all day walking

Sweetens Cove is one of the most unique golf experiences not just in the country, but in the world. You must sign up in advance to get a full day pass which gives you unlimited access to the 9-hole course for a whole day at just over $100 (a steal). They put 2 pins on each of the giant undulating greens to give variety while you play throughout the day. Bold contours throughout the course especially around the greens, and a golf course that gives a shoutout in architecture to some of the best courses in the world if you look closely. I can bet that almost anyone that has been to Sweetens can agree that there should be more courses and clubs like this place. A sweet hangout area to take a rest between your 9’s throughout the day, and not to mention, their own Bourbon company. Sweetens Cove is one of the leaders when it comes to the non-tradition and being a unique experience, which is one that is laid back, fun, and filled with playing on a good quality designed golf course. Their Mid-Summer Skirmish involves 9 holes of golf under the lights, camping, drinks, food and live music. Something that public courses in highly populated areas can do on a regular basis. Only a half hour from Chattanooga and an hour and 40 minutes from Nashville, this full day golf experience could make for a great trip. Public golf courses, TAKE NOTICE.

Belmont Golf Course - Richmond, VA - Love Golf Design - $38 for 12 holes, $48 for 18 Walking

The First Tee of Greater Richmond purchased Belmont in 2019 and took out 6 of A.W Tillinghast original holes to replace it as a driving range. Tough to think of especially for a course that had hosted a major championship in the late 1940’s, right? Well, not so much, as a different touch was put into the restoration to put Tillinghast’s work back to life, in this case, into 6 par 3’s. The rest of the 12 holes were rightfully restored to Tillinghast’s intent, so you can play 18 Tillinghast inspired holes, most of them being originals. Another big feature of this property is the 31,000 square ft putting course, with 18 reversible holes. With a full driving range and short game area, Belmont is the perfect course for the youth to get onto play which makes it the perfect sport for the First Tee of Greater Richmond. Not often do you get to play a public golden age golf course with a par 3 course and putting course. Belmont is exactly what America needs more of public golf with golden age, strategic, and bold architecture along with features like a putting course, driving range, and short course to attract the youth and newcomers to the game so they can experience good quality golf. Belmont also proves there doesn’t need to be 18 holes. They show how to get the most out of 100 acres or less to let the public have fun with golf while exposing them to the rich history of the game.

City of Charleston Municipal Golf Course - Charleston, SC - Miller Golf Design - $60 Walking for Non-Residents

Troy Miller designed a Raynor inspired course that brings out some of Raynor’s most praised templates. Not often you get to play a public and affordable Raynor course, especially one with the boldness of the greens and bunkering at “The Muni”. A Biarritz, Punchbowl, Redan, Cape, Road, and other great template holes, players get the most out of the urge to play a Raynor course. There are great examples of Raynor’s work right down the road that Miller got inspiration from at Yeamans Hall and Country Club of Charleston, some of Raynor’s best work. “The Muni” also features holes and views along the Stono River.  Worth a trip down especially for a course outside a beautiful, fun, and historic city like Charleston

A public golf course with bold features and fun in playability can attract people from all over to come visit. If you mix that with a good atmosphere around the clubhouse area with food and drinks and putting green or even short courses, that can make for a place where even non-golfers would like to come and join in on the fun. This will increase the course's consumer base, popularity, and keep people on property for longer which means more cash flow. We see so many public golf courses with 18 holes outside of major cities where people only play 9, or there is a good 9 and the other 9 isn’t so good.

If these courses can just take out the bad 9 and make it into a short course, driving range, or other fun amenities, it can attract more people to the game. Having one good nine and a whole bunch of fun around it will attract every golfer, even private club members who want to get out and play a good quality course and let loose after. Husbands can go out and play a few while their wives go have some drinks or putt on the putting course, so everyone stays happy. The idea of having a short course with a good outdoor food and drink atmosphere with amenities like cornhole, live music, darts, or a putting green can create a sense of engagement in the community and attract people and golfers from afar to come and see what the place is all about. The courses listed above are at the forefront of capturing pieces of this atmosphere to make a golf course fun and exciting for all, even if it’s not playing a full 9-hole course.

Honorable Mentions

●      Goat Hill Park Golf Course - Oceanside, CA - $45 Walking

●      Iness Golf Club - Accord, NY- King Collins Golf Course Design - $180

●      The Park - West Palm Beach, FL - Hanse Golf Design - $154 Non-Residents

●      Overton Park 9 - Memphis, TN - King Collins Golf Course Design - $14 Non-Resident

●       Palm Beach Par 3 - West Palm Beach, FL - Raymond Floyd - $42 Non-Resident

●      The Links at Audubon - Memphis, TN - Bergin Golf Design - $25 walking, $13 for par 3 course

●      Bobby Jones Golf Club - Sarasota, FL - Richard Mandell Golf Architecture - $60

●      Timpanogos Golf Club - Provo, UT - Atkinson Design Group - $17

●      The Glen Golf Park - Madison, WI - Craig Haltom Golf Design - $25

REFERENCES

https://www.ngf.org/short-game/golf-participation-update-bigger-younger-and-cooler/

https://www.hochsteindesign.com/golden-gate-park

https://www.goldengateparkgolf.com/

https://grassclippingsaz.com/

https://www.golfcoursearchitecture.net/content/night-golf-beckons-for-renovated-rolling-hills-layout-in-tempe

https://www.pinehurst.com/golf/

https://butlerpitchandputt.com/

https://cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/golf-courses/

https://parkmammothgolfclub.com/

https://sweetenscovegolfclub.com/

https://www.golfdigest.com/courses/va/belmont-golf-course-belmont

https://firstteegreaterrichmond.org/belmont/

https://www.golfdigest.com/courses/sc/charleston-municipal-golf-course

https://goathillpark.com/

https://inness.co/golf

https://www.overtonpark9.org/

https://www.kcdgolf.com/

https://www.golfontheocean.com/

https://bergingolf.com/design/the-links-at-audubon/

https://www.bobbyjonesgc.com/

https://www.timpanogosgolf.com/

https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/golf/courses/glen