For years the idea that playing anything less than 18 holes has carried a stigma with it. However, it's becoming increasingly en vogue to forego 18 holes in favor of 3.
The number of rounds played on Minnesota courses went down almost 10 percent in 2011. It seems the cost and time it takes to play golf is becoming increasingly tougher to justify, and a number of Twin Cities 18-hole "championship" courses are responding by considering smaller "loops."
A loop is usually a 6- or 3-hole makeshift course-within-a-course that allows golfers to get out there without "wasting" their day. For example: Golfers can start on the 10th tee, play up the 12th, and hop over to 18 for a nice little hour round at a discounted price. The idea, no doubt, is aimed at the family man/woman looking to fit a little golf into their schedule.
While the concept of a shorter course may be news in the Twin Cities, it isn't new. In fact, the first golf courses in America were only 12 holes. In Minnesota, where playable days are precious, a few courses are offering loops, with many more in discussions.
The question seems to be: How do you fit these golfers in with regularly-scheduled tee times?
The Links at Northfork in Ramsey has a separate 3-hole course for those with a need for a speed round. For $12 ($18 w/a cart) you can have unlimited play on the short course. In addition, Northfork has begun allowing golfers to choose from 3,6,9,12,18 or 21-hole loops. The 3-hole option is "included" in your round of golf and "gives additional options" to the time-strapped person, according to an email offer.
In Minneapolis, the city's Parks Board has begun discussing loop options in 2012 at its five public courses. It already has a par-3 "executive" course at Theodore Wirth, but even that has been opened up to disc golfers to attract more play.
Even Hazeltine National, a major championship venue, allows time-strapped members to get out for short loops. Lately membership is finding it increasingly difficult to balance their kids' soccer games, their business pursuits and their free time with time spent on the golf course.
The way I see it, a greens fee is a greens fee. But an ancillary bonus is what happens after players pay for their round: they eat and drink. And any restaurant will tell you beverages produce their highest profit margins. So, I'll lift a glass to the "loop" concept-here's hoping local courses do the same.
