Golf courses roll out new methods to draw players in face of steep drop in memberships

Dave Comaskey, executive director with Golf Manitoba, said golf memberships have dropped roughly 30 per cent in the past 10-12 years.

He said he's seen studies showing the number of casual golfers may be up, which is why courses are trying to capture more of that market.

A golf course in La Salle introduced 15-inch holes. Darren Hayden, head pro at Kingswood Golf Course, said the attempt to attract more casual holders gained popularity in California.

He said their course is the first in Manitoba to try the 15-inch holes.

He said it’s especially popular with beginner golfers and seniors who have difficulty seeing the smaller holes.

Other courses have also lowered prices on some packages to try and draw more beginners.

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  A 15-inch hole is shown on one of the Kingswood Golf Course greens in La Salle, Manitoba. A golf course pro said they've proven especially popular with beginner golfers and seniors who have difficulty seeing the smaller holes.