Michigan Golf Journal March 2020

New Course Design One drawback could be that fewer people can be on the property at one time, so that means less cash flow each day of operation. But the financial flip side is virtually all the costs are cut in half or more – half the land to acquire and develop in the first place, half the property taxes, less than half the mowing and watering costs, etc. Only 20 bunkers do the job of having 60 on an 18-hole course. The more glaring positive is Three Sticks gives people with less time – or who are just learning the game and are otherwise frightened off by the idea of 18 holes – the option to play 6 or 12 holes and call it a day. Short courses are nice and fit a niche, but not everyone wants to play a slew of par 3s all in a row. “I think this is a great way to offer the game in a less intimidating way to new players, while also offering a full length, regulation course to the diehard golfer; at a course that costs so much less for the owner to operate as well,” Zaliagiris said. “Lots of people don’t have the time to play all 18 holes. Three Sticks allows for a lunchtime round of 6 holes.” I’m not an agronomist by any measure, but it seems the concept of Three Sticks has merit and it’ll be fun watching if a potential first design goes from drawing board to earth- moving to grand opening. Contact John Zaliagiris at: vgd@3sticksgolf.com MGJ 2 nights at French Lick Springs Hotel Twosome on The Donald Ross Course Free Horse Carriage ride for 4 people Sign up by becoming a new follower on Twitter: @MIgolfjournal WIN a FREE TRIP to French Lick Resort