Private club manager ClubCorp says it will be the first to offer members and guests a Family-Friendly Short-Course option at all golf facilities, with the exception of PGA and LPGA Tour-event courses. Family-Friendly Short Course teeing areas will be placed approximately 100 yards in front of the forward tees on Par-4-and-5-holes only and will have a special scorecard matching the new yardage.
“ClubCorp continues to be the leader in the industry by offering more value to its membership and encouraging more participation in the game of golf at every level,” says Mark Burnett, executive vice president, golf and country club division. “We want our courses to appeal to kids, women, beginners, grandparents, and those avid golfers who want to get a quick round in.”
The idea began in 2005 at The Clubs of Kingwood at Atascocita in Kingwood, Texas, when the club implemented a kid-friendly course. The 9-hole Shores Course offers beginners oversized holes placed on the greens along with regulation-size holes, fencing around lakes and ponds, kid-friendly golf carts with parent brake and a special scorecard.
“Since inception of the short course concept, golf participation has increased significantly at Kingwood,” says Kirk Wilkinson, membership director at The Clubs of Kingwood. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a family of four enjoying time together on the course and seeing the excitement of a beginner golfer when they make that putt.”