TWU Volume #7 – Rethink Golf: Fun, Fast & Inclusive

1. Let Go of the Augusta Obsession

There’s no denying the beauty of Augusta National, but trying to replicate its perfection is a losing game for most courses. Scotland, where golf began, offers a different model: wild dunes, firm fairways, and rugged charm. These courses embrace the natural landscape, and the result is cheaper maintenance, eco-friendliness, and a more strategic challenge. It’s time for more courses to trade perfection for authenticity.

2. Stop Raking Bunkers

Bunkers used to be hazards in the truest sense—scruffy and unpredictable. Today, they’re raked into perfectly uniform traps. While that’s aesthetically pleasing, it’s taken away their wild, chaotic spirit. Let bunkers go back to their roots, just like they are at North Berwick. The game gets more dynamic, greenskeepers save hours of maintenance, and players learn to adapt to the challenge.

3. Tear Down the Fences

In the U.S., private golf clubs often feel like gated fortresses, reserved only for members and their guests. Compare that with places like Royal County Down, where the public can book tee times a few days a week. Why can’t U.S. clubs adopt a similar model? Limited public tee times would build stronger connections with communities and make the game less intimidating for newcomers.

4. Follow Pasatiempo’s Semi-Private Model

Nestled in Northern California, Pasatiempo Golf Club has struck the perfect balance. Members enjoy their perks, but non-members can still book tee times. This hybrid model keeps the club exclusive while bringing in public revenue. It’s proof that courses don’t have to choose between being private or public—they can do both successfully.

5. Make It Easier to Start

Golf’s reputation as expensive and intimidating keeps many people from trying it. But what if courses offered pay-per-hole or pay-per-hour options? Places like Topgolf have already shown that people are willing to try golf when it’s fun, flexible, and affordable. Simplified rules and beginner-friendly club rentals could lower barriers even further, making it easier for anyone to pick up a club.

6. Play the Right Tees

Most golfers make the game harder on themselves by playing from the wrong tees. It’s not about proving you can play the longest course—it’s about having fun. Some courses, like Bandon Dunes, design tee placements that enhance every hole’s strategy and enjoyment. More courses should follow suit, encouraging players to choose tees that fit their skill level.

7. Play with a Half-Set

Do you really need 14 clubs in your bag? Playing with a half-set—say, six or seven clubs—is a fun way to get creative and lighten the load. Plus, for beginners, it’s far less intimidating. Brands like Sunday Golf make lightweight bags designed for this kind of simplified approach. Sometimes, less really is more.

8. Mix Up the Formats

Golf doesn’t always have to be about counting every shot. Formats like match play or Stableford scoring encourage creativity and risk-taking. Or you could ditch the scorecard entirely and just enjoy the walk, the company, and the beauty of the course. The point isn’t always to win—it’s to love the game.

9. Fix Pace of Play

Nothing drags golf down like a 5-hour round. Gol was originally meant to take 2-3 hour. The game should flow like a good story, not a slog. Courses can help by reducing tee-time density during busy periods and encouraging fun formats like six-hole loops.

10. Why So Obsessed with Your Score?

Golf is hard. Even the pros struggle to break par. Instead of obsessing over your score, focus on the magical moments: the perfect drive, the impossible recovery shot, the laughter with friends. Golf isn’t about the numbers—it’s about questions the course asks you. Fade/draw, high/low, flop/bump and run….

Golf, Reimagined

Golf doesn’t have to be rigid, exclusive, or intimidating. It can be a social, creative, and welcoming experience for everyone.

Poll for Next Week: You Pick the Topic!

Hey, you’re the boss! What should I cover next week? Reply to jeffrehmar@gmail.com with your vote:

1.  Overrated vs. Underrated Books
   Let’s rank books—what’s all hype and what’s worth the read? Bonus: I’ll share a surprising pick you might not expect.

2.  SoCal Stadiums: Old vs. New
   From the history-packed to the ultra-modern, let’s break down the quirkiest and coolest sports venues in Southern California.

3.  My Australia Trip: The Real Review
   The good, the bad, and the kangaroo-filled highlights. Plus, what I’d do differently next time.

Reply now and help me decide! Your vote = your content. 📨

Until next Thursday
Jeff