From: Fred Hales
Columbus
As an occasional golfer who has worked in both the Greenbelt and Par 3 clubhouses for the last 11 years, I have been following the back-and-forth comments from Columbus officials and the general public regarding the future of golf in the city of Columbus with great interest.
There has been little or no commentary about residents of the Columbus area who are occasional golfers that simply like to go out to a golf course with family members or friends and play golf, usually only nine holes, just to have fun together in the fresh air. These groups are frequently slow because they are chatting and enjoying each other’s company.
Those golfers are always welcome at Par 3 where there are 18 holes and the clubhouse staff have the ability to start players on either the front or back nine depending on their preference, or on the number and location of other players out on the course.
These slow-playing groups, which often include more than four people, would certainly not be welcome at Otter Creek East or at Greenbelt where there are only nine holes, and where course congestion and cost for a little family fun would be prohibitive.
Columbus’ beautiful Par 3 golf course, which is unique in southern Indiana, is in the best condition it has been for many years thanks to the great work put into it by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, the money invested in new equipment, and the new irrigation system installed in 2019.
We should not forget that Par 3 also has 18 holes of footgolf, which is growing in popularity with young people and with family groups.
Finally, the game of golf has evolved to the point where fewer players want to play a serious round at one of the many competing courses in and around Columbus. Columbus needs to promote and retain Par 3 as an amenity where individuals and groups of family and friends can enjoy a casual game of fun golf for a reasonable price.
