As the country continues to contend with the coronavirus pandemic, golf remains a hot commodity at courses from coast to coast. With full tee sheets, growing memberships and increasing rounds, some golfers are finding it difficult to secure a tee time and get that much-needed time on the golf course. There are, however, alternatives to the traditional round of golf.

Golf facilities of all types are adding shot-tracking technology on their practice ranges and many are creating enhanced short game opportunities with multiple greens that support an array of chipping, pitching and bunker shots. Some are even adding putting courses to their list of amenities. And of course, there is an ever-increasing number of golf entertainment venues that combine technology, food and drink and golfing fun with family and friends. When you can’t get a tee time at your favorite course, these options can fill the void.

Bobby Jones Golf Course, in Atlanta, is another example. A full-facility renovation a few years ago produced the Dan Yates Putting Course and a five-hole par-three layout called Cupp Links – both are free for kids to play and are generating buzz throughout the local golfing community. Jason Kuiper, the PGA Director of Instruction and 2020 Georgia PGA Section Teacher of the Year, says that these amenities are being used for open play, instruction and even competition, including the new PGA Family Cup, a spinoff of PGA Jr. League that brings families together to play and compete. Kuiper says both courses “definitely bring more juniors to the property” and are driving the growth of their junior golf program. Bobby Jones Golf Course is a 2020 GRAA Top 50 Public Facility and Kuiper is a 2020 GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, as is Lead Instructor, Justin Martin, PGA.

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