Five hour + rounds of golf, $100.00 + Green Fees, $8.00 for a beer and $7.00 hot dogs. Golf is well on its way to pricing itself out of business. Is the future of golf in jeopardy? Are so called regulation golf courses going to be a thing of the past? Are 12 holes of golf going to be the new norm? Jack Nicklaus seems to think so.
Shorter courses and executive par-3 courses like Gull Lake Golf Club (pictured above) are gaining in popularity and could be the future of golf.
Quite possibly it could be the executive and par 3 golf courses that are the future of golf. Consider this, under three hours to play 18 holes of golf, accessible tee times, affordable green fees at less than half the price of many courses, family friendly, fun yet challenging courses not to mention the scenic and tranquil settings you can find these courses in.
Take for example, Gull Lake Golf Course. A nine hole par three challenging course with spectacular views of the lake from several holes. This gem of a course plays host to the annual Gull Lake Junior Golf Foundation Pro-Am and adult/child golf tournament.
Tour Professionals from around the world gather every year to test their games on this fabulous layout. It’s an ideal location to bring the family and spend the weekend or the summer playing golf, fishing, visiting the beach or many other local attractions around the village.
If an 18 hole course appeals to you and your family how about Spirit Creek Golf and Country Club? Here is another challenging yet family friendly executive golf course on the outskirts of Red Deer. This par 66, 4517 yard beauty is nestled among pine and spruce trees along the Blindman River Valley. You’ll love this scenic test of golf.
Above is the 18 hole, par 66 (no par-5's) executive style Spirit Creek Golf & Country Club located just outside of Red Deer.
Under new ownership and management you’re going to see some major changes to the course in addition to adding more RV spots for spending the weekend or the summer affordably at the course! The future of golf is all about accessibility, affordability, family friendly, time sensitive and fun to play.
Check out a par 3 and/or an executive golf course this summer – it just may be the future of golf. That’s my take!
Written By: Laura Witvoet
Class A Member of The LPGA Teaching and Club Professional (T&CP) Division
Gull Lake Golf Course