It’s Time We Recognize the Little Guy
Often viewed as the forgotten sibling of golf, Pitch & Putt is the shortest form of the game. Played with a set of wedges and a putter, it’s accessible to everyone. Whether it’s honing your short game, exploring creativity, or testing new approaches, these shortest of the short courses have a lot to offer.
The goal of Pitch & Putt is simple: grab four wedges, a putter and go as low as you can. Creativity is king. With nine-holes not exceeding a total length of 720 yds and no one hole longer than 100 yards, this forgotten sibling is designed to test your short game (USAPitchPutt & International Pitch & Putt Association). These courses provide a low-stakes entry point for those new to golf, while in some cases, pushing the boundaries between fair and ruthless.
Now, before you light your torches and grab your pitchforks, let’s be clear—I’m not talking about courses like The Cradle, Bandon Preserve, or Top of the Rock. These, while popular and stunning in their own right, are SHORT courses, not Pitch & Putt courses. I’m talking about hidden gems off the beaten path that carry their own stories, with locals who treasure them. The ones you might pass on the road without a second thought. Places where the love for this game was first found (and perhaps, lost). The courses, when given the opportunity to showcase what they’ve got, will stick with you.
So grab that Sunday bag and let’s head to the first tee.
Epic Adventures: Where legends are born and challenges are conquered
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Vickery Creek PitchPutt
Greater Atlanta, GA; Waitlist Access via PitchPutt.ORG
You’ve seen the TikToks and heard the RHCP embedded in the videos. So, what is it like to play the most diabolical and infamous Pitch & Putt course in the world? According to its creator, “It’s like riding a rollercoaster and realizing your seatbelt is faulty—it’s thrilling, even though you know it might not end well. It lures you in with its pristine white Augusta National sand, majestic towering pines, and the promise of an early birdie along a serene creek.” But make no mistake—the moments of elation dissipate quickly as you reach the tee boxes of “Godzilla,” “ JAWS”and “Pirates of the Caribbean” in the twisted and deranged climactic finale. Make sure you pack a lot of golf balls.
Bigfoot PitchPutt
Southwest, NC; Advanced Bookings Necessary, Access via PitchPutt.ORG
Vickery Creek has a new brother: an 8-foot, 777-pound cryptid leaving a trail of destruction in the Appalachia of Southwest North Carolina. Bearing the name of one of California’s most popular legends, this pitch and putt begins with the aptly named hole “The Sighting,” throwing you into fight-or-flight mode. The 2nd, “Little Foot,” lures you into a false sense of security (and a possible ace) before golfers fight for their lives. Bigfoot barrels through the brush with “Monster Truck 7th,” crushes hope on “Anaconda 8th,” and unleashes chaos on the 9th hole: “Bigfoot”. With the entire course reserved just for you and your crew, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure filled with laughs, challenges, and memories you’ll swear couldn’t possibly be real. Just don’t feed the wildlife.
Calrock PitchPutt
Central Minnesota (Limited Access via PitchPutt.ORG)
Rock quarries traditionally don’t make great locations for golf courses. However, at Calrock, they cracked the code and made it work, bridging the divide and establishing harmony. Here, not only can you play within a granite quarry surrounded by a forest of mature oak trees and attack greens strategically guarded by imposing granite boulders, but each hole layout requires shot-shaping and creativity that will add weapons to your golf arsenal. The allure of this track and it’s one of a kind utilization of land cement Calrock’s place on this list. Pun intended.
Doolin Pitch & Putt
Doolin, Ireland. Perched on a dramatic hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with the Cliffs of Moher as a breathtaking backdrop, lies one of the most awe-inspiring Pitch & Putt courses in the world. Sublime in its natural beauty, this course is a true test of skill and grit. Featuring dramatic elevation changes, treacherous pot bunkers, and crowned postage-stamp greens that, when combined with the relentless howling winds, transforms into one of the most diabolical and unforgettable challenges in the realm of pitch and putt. After your round, unwind at the historic 1798 Johnny’s Fox Pub nearby where you can savor local flavors and immerse yourself in the warmth of Irish hospitality.
Urban Vibes: Golf meets the urban jungle
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Butler Pitch & Putt
Austin, TX
All right, all right, all right (thanks McConaughey) —swing easy, my friends, because it’s all about the vibes at Butler Pitch & Putt. For seventy-four years, Butler has been a staple of downtown Austin. Golf, food, live music, leagues, (and more) are what make Butler so special. This course offers something for everyone. Their website even boasts a live feed of their first tee, so you can enjoy shot after shot from the comfort of your home or office as you escape the winter blues. Hiding your jealousy is easier behind a computer screen, so schedule a trip and enjoy this slice of Austin, Texas for yourself. Your golf buddies will then be the jealous ones.
Flushing Meadows Pitch & Putt
Queens, NY
Mets fans are still celebrating their winter victory in the signing of Juan Soto, but did you know there’s a Pitch & Putt course set against the backdrop of Citi Field (and Louis Armstrong Stadium) that won’t break the bank? Our recommendation: Enjoy a hotdog and beer while catching a day game, then slide over and play a round under the lights at Flushing Meadows. Bring the whole family and play some mini golf too while you’re at it! If the stars align and you plan your trip right, you can catch some early morning tennis, an afternoon ball game, and then end the day at Flushing Meadows. Few locations offer what Flushing Meadows has which puts it on this list.
Timeless Classics: Intersection of history and enduring charm
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Lake Park
Milwaukee, WI
Since 1930, the oldest Pitch & Putt in the United States has delivered splendid charm and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Perched high above the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers beautiful vistas and radiates Vampire Weekend vibes (IYKYK). The 18 holes, played at a relaxing pace, can be completed in less than an hour and for only a ten spot; the replay rate for a fiver. You’d have to be “A-Punk” to not play this course.
Stanley Park
Vancouver, BC
Since 1932, players have cherished this picturesque 18-hole course nestled among the towering trees of the Pacific Northwest. Straddling the Stanley Park Lost Lagoon and the English Bay, this pitch and putt perfectly blends relaxation, challenge and beauty, all just minutes away from downtown Vancouver. Welcoming beginners yet offering plenty of fun and excitement for seasoned players, this course is an absolute must-visit in the Great White North.
Colina Park
San Diego, CA
Originally built in 1954 and renovated in 2003, Colina Park is the fourth-oldest course to grace this list. Situated in City Heights outside of San Diego, this course features elevated tee boxes and greens surrounded by ponds, all against the lush backdrop of Southern California. It’s hard to beat greens fees that max out at $23 and benefit this facility’s junior golf programs. Fun fact: Jason Bateman discovered his love for golf right here.
Tranquil Escapes: Scenery on full display
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Robert Moses Pitch & Putt
Long Island, NY
Nestled along the beaches of Long Island, this course takes you on a journey where you’re likely to see more deer than birdies when the wind gusts. While the design may appear to have under-utilized the surrounding topography, its character is revealed through its charm among high white dunes and ocean glimpses. It’s a unique experience that allows you to finally tell your significant other that “yes, I do need to bring my clubs to the beach.” Play some golf, and work on your tan—all in one trip. It’s a win win.
Springside
Reinholds, PA
Last on the list, and nestled within Pennsylvania Amish country, is a pitch and putt where golfers can experience pristine conditions, postage-stamp greens, and the thrill of playing under the lights. Springside offers 18-holes across the countryside of Springside and a fast-paced, fun design. you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can enjoy 54 holes in just a few hours!
A special thank you to Jonathon Calhoun, President of PitchPutt, who offered amazing perspective, insight, and knowledge of this often-forgotten realm of golf. Be sure to check out their website at PitchPutt.org, sign up for a free membership, and help support their cause!
The post Golf’s Forgotten Sibling – Pitch and Putt appeared first on MyGolfSpy.
