Pay For (Holes Played): “We definitely think this is a trend in the industry that’s not going to go away.”

Thanks to reader John for Brian Costa's latest WSJ column on courses offering rounds even shorter than nine holes, focusing on Canal Shores :where, before he starred in 'Caddyshack,' Bill Murray once worked as a caddie—the impact of the shorter loops remains to be seen."

Mike Matthews, a 39-year-old regular at Canal Shores, often plays five holes with his 10-year-old son, whereas he said they would be unlikely to play 18 or even nine holes. “With him still learning and not being able to drive the ball, five holes is enough for us,” Matthews said. But the logistics of playing five are more conducive to slower times of day, since the five-hole loop starts at the 14th hole, meaning Matthews and his son wait for gaps between groups playing 18.

Bulf, the business manager, said the response from golfers has been overwhelmingly positive. The shorter loops now account for 20% of weekday morning rounds played. But the question of whether they represent revenue gained or revenue lost remains unanswered.

Either way, Bulf said, “We definitely think this is a trend in the industry that’s not going to go away.”