The new golf model?

With golf being a zero growth game for some time, its critics have never spoken louder. Rightfully so really since professional golf, it seems, has never been more boring to watch for the casual fan—pace of play has always been and will always de the major culprit. Throw in the cost as well; the plethora of arcane rules, and it’s surprising that there are enough people coming into the game to break even at all. Based on recent critiques/recommendations, here is what a new golf facility might look like.

12 hole courses:

Greg Norman has been a major proponent of creating golf facilities with only 12 holes for some time and it makes perfect sense—cost less to run, cost less to play, takes less time to play. Done.

Game room and free wifi:

NBC/Golf Channel ran a special on the eve of the match play championship called the “State of the Game” to discuss of course, Tiger Woods, as well as other major issues in the game today—pace of play, rules, and growth of the game to name a few. Brandel Chamblee noted that his course would have a game room and an Internet room. Kids would love the game room for sure, but there’s no need for an internet room. Free wifi will allow kids to stay plugged in. You could always have a few stand-alone units for those who have antiquated cell phones.

People will be playing Flogton (“Not Golf” spelled backwards):

Flogton was on full display at this years PGA merchandise show. It is a type of golf created by Scott McNealy, co-founder of Sun Microsystems in order to provide a fun and inventive way to attract new golfers and a second chance to those who have loved it and left. You can play with as many clubs as you want and play by a new set of rules, including “games that allow teeing up shots in the fairway, traveling mulligans on each hole and tossing balls out of bunkers.” You can also use as many clubs as you like, whether they are conforming or not.

Miniature Golf:

Always a crowd pleaser, miniature golf is a great way to get kids to at least to keep coming to the golf course. Now you won’t see private clubs doing this because in this market you couldn’t replace the members who died of a heart attack at such a suggestion; but it is worth considering.