Any American who has ever played golf in Europe knows the most obvious difference between the two continents’ courses is walkability. Europeans love to walk. They play golf for exercise, and their courses reflect that.

American golf is superior in some ways, one of them being golfers don’t have to prove their handicaps, or even have one.

But, one big negative is American golf’s corporate mentality – collect the green fees and herd them through. Too few American courses are walker-friendly and there are too many American courses that don’t even allow walking.

The Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club is making a move in the right direction. The resort is opening a nine-hole family walking course this summer. The Fox Squirrel course will open at 4 p.m. every day starting Memorial Day Weekend at no charge to resort guests.

It’s a great idea - get young golfers walking early. Judging by what experts are saying about American youths and their sorry health, they could use the exercise.

Let’s hope it’s a trend.

Permalink Leave a comment