9 Reasons Why Pitch and Putt Course Good for Beginners?
Not everyone who picks up a golf club is destined for the open, just like not every player needs to play a weekly full 18. The way that most players start their game is on a local pitch and putt 9 hole course using it as way to test of they enjoy the game and want to continue. We take a look at the reasons why these shorter pitch and putt course are a great way to introduce new players to golf.
Pitch and Putt golf courses offer beginners a way learn how to play golf in a less demanding and challenging way than on a full-size golf course. Less holes, shorter hole length, and less equipment requirements make Pitch and Putt accessible to beginning and novice golfers in terms or time, cost, and skill levels.
You can see these reasons in more depth below, and a little explanation that, although we likely started on a short course, why heading to a pitch and putt even as an experienced player might improve your game during your next full round and you might find yourself even considering a pitch and putt competition.
Don’t forget to check out our huge range of articles on pitch and putt courses if you want to learn more. We have them in the table in on this page.
Why Is Pitch and Putt Good For Beginners
There are many reasons why Pitch and Putt is a good play for Beginners and Novice golfers to try out there game and we break these down below:
1. Pitch and Putt Courses are Smaller and Shorter
A pitch and putt golf course is usually made up of 9 holes. These holes are shorter and this shorter hole lengths make it easier for beginners to play the game and complete a round in a shorter amount of time. We have an article on how long is a pitch and putt golf course here.
This can be less intimidating for players who may not yet have developed their skills, power or distance control. They are also great for families to play together as they level the skill difference, at least in terms of driving.
With holes being averaging between 60 and 90 yards ( more on that in our how long is a pitch and putt article) and on occasion being as short as 20 to 30 yards, these are great for both children and beginners to learn the fundamentals of swing and power control before heading to those huge par fives on a full size course.
2. Pitch and Putt Courses Are More Cost Accessible
A full set of golf clubs can have up to 14 clubs in that heavy bag. A pitch and putt course allows you to play with 2 ( in fact 3 in the maximum in tournaments!) So while we recommend 3, even that it considerably less than 14 expensive clubs for a full set.( no need for a driver here!) Considering golf clubs, decent ones, are not cheap pitch and putt is certainly more accessible to beginners who may not want to continue to full length golf courses. We have a more in depth article on pitch and putt costs here on the site. We have linked below.
It also doesn’t have dress codes that many clubs may have, or membership fees or green fees. Although some pitch and putt courses do offer membership, or frequent player deals. Either way, you don’t need a fitting for those golf shoes.
3. Pitch and Putt Courses have Smaller Greens
Together with the reduced number of holes, and the shorter length of those holes comes a smaller green size. While this may sound, at least initially, more difficult it actually serves a purpose.
Smaller, but much MUCH easier to hit greens mean that a putting stroke is going to be much shorter than it may be on a full length course, this then means more balls in the hole and more confidence! though we wouldnt start recording your golf scrambling records just yet!
It also means beginners can practice putting from shorter distances, and start to develop a touch and feel for power management, lie of the green, how to deal with inclines and all the other aspects of putting that challenge even the most experienced of golfers myself included.
4. Pitch and Putt Courses help players learn the rules
Golf is a sport of etiquette and rules and north of these is going to be learned through osmosis. Playing on a shorter course with less pressure means beginners and novices can learn these rules, which are fundamentally, the same as the full course game, without being screamed at from down the course. ( this has happened to us)
Similarly the scoring is similar to a full round of golf so an awareness or how to score a hole ( be it par three of course) can also be learned. As well as terms like, bogey double bogey (very likely) and birdie and hole in one ( less likely but hope springs eternal)
5. Pitch and Putt Courses Are Faster and Take Less Time.
Time is money, and nowhere is this more true than on a golf course. Chose to play a full round and it costs! Pitch and putt cost less money, and take less time. We have a breakdown of how much time it should take ( its quite a range of course) in our article on how long does a Pitch and Putt Round last. But anything from 30 or so minutes to 90 minutes is normal.
It means a beginner who may not have got bitten by the golf bug, or children who might not have the attention span for full rounds, can try a game at a length that suits them.
6. Pitch and Putt Courses Need Less Equipment
As we mentioned above a pitch and putt course can be played with 2 to 3 clubs, a wedge an iron ( maybe) and a putter. This is easier to move around than a full set, is comfortable to carry over the 9 holes, and of course costs considerably less than a full set of golf clubs.
However, it will also not require a trolly, unless you have problems carrying the bag, a cart, golf shoes, a glove a range finder, or any of the other 50 or so items a golfer may find themselves browsing on Amazon for!
Most pitch and putt courses usually offer clubs to rent or borrow for a fee as well and although your own clubs are better, just like skating or bowling it is best to try before you buy before rushing out to get your own equipment.
7. Pitch and Putt Courses Are More accessible
A full size golf course of course takes up a huge amount of space ( around 120 to 200 acres for a 72 par 18 hole course) A pitch and putt needs way, WAY less then this. A Pitch and Putt Golf course can be built on as little as 5 to six acres, and there are examples way below even this small number.
This means they are much more feasible for urban areas: Pitch and Putt courses are often located in urban areas where space is constrained. It also means that people living in those more populated areas still have access to a way to play golf.
8. Pitch and Putt is More Relaxed.
Golf can be a fairly formal affair (although not always of course) Rules, regulations, do’s and don’t, Etiquette, manners and more. While of course we should always show good manners and etiquette, sometimes rules may be broken due to not knowing. Pitch and putt is a much less regimented affair and by learning these rules and norms in that environment can help when making the transition to a full course.
However, to all the experienced golfers, we do think it is important to remember we we all beginners once, and transgressions although corrected should be met with at least a little understanding!
9. Pitch and Putt Courses Develop Skills At All Levels
Although the list above is aimed at the benefits for beginner or novice golfers, Pitch and putt is not just for the beginning of your golf game. the short holes and emphasis on chip shots or low irons,
As well as of course putting makes it a great way for experienced golfers to hone these skills as well. We have a dedicated article on how pitch and putt can help experienced golfers on the site.
Conclusion
Pitch and Putt golf is a great option for beginners. The shorter hole lengths and smaller greens make the game more accessible for players who may not yet have developed their skills or distance control. The simplified version of the traditional golf game can also be a less intimidating way for beginners to learn and practice the sport.
Pitch and Putt courses are often less expensive than traditional courses and the rounds of golf can be completed more quickly. This makes it a good option for people who may not have as much time to spend on the course. Playing Pitch and Puctt also allows beginners to learn the basic rules, etiquette and scoring system of the sport which are quite similar to traditional golf
References
- https://www.golfdigest.com/story/-our-crusade-for-pitch-and-putt-golf
- https://golfguidebook.com/how-to-use-a-pitch-and-putt-to-improve-your-game/
- https://www.todays-golfer.com/news-and-events/general-news/2015/december/short-game-tips-from-the-british-pitch–putt-champion/
- https://onestopgolfing.com/why-is-golf-still-so-popular/
