Former golfer Nick Faldo suggests 12-hole courses as the future of golf

Nick Faldoformer golfer and TV commentator, takes every opportunity to share his thoughts on the golf scene. Although he is not a fan of all the innovations in golf, he has recently commented on golf courses and suggested that they should be shorter. He believes the future of golf should focus on these shorter courses. Even before the arrival of LIV Golf, there were many questions about the future of the sport and whether golf courses should be extended. Some people are against this, claiming it could disrupt the natural golf feel and make the rounds last longer.

In an interview with the PGA, the 67-year-old emphasized that 12-hole courses should be the future of golf. Faldo is not in favor of the traditional 18 holes and mentions several disadvantages to that format. He thinks many people will resist such changes and continue to strongly advocate for 18-hole courses.

“I’ve been pushing that for years and it’s had a hard time blossoming.” he said.

“You go to a hotel and they say, ‘We want an 18-hole championship course.’ I say: ‘It won’t be a championship, you don’t have the space for it. Why don’t you have a nice 12 holes?’ “No, we need eighteen.” We fought against that.”

Questions have been asked about the future of golf for years, but Faldo believes some people are finally understanding what the best solution is. Judging from fan reactions, the 12-hole format could offer numerous benefits, such as faster gameplay and less time commitment. The main purpose of these changes is to create interest, especially among young people, in playing golf.

Many believe that the 18-hole format has several disadvantages, which can reduce motivation and enthusiasm for the sport. Thanks to the 12-hole format, players also have more free time. Additionally, it is less physically demanding, making it easier for newcomers and older players alike to take up the sport. It is important to note that it is easier to maintain focus when there are fewer holes to play.

Faldo pointed out that it took many years for people to realize the importance of such changes. The question remains, will the leading golf organizations be willing to embrace this idea?

“It’s taken more than 20 years, but we’re finally getting people to say, ‘You know what? Eighteen is a lot. I can’t disappear from the family for six hours.’ Pop down, do nine holes. Thu 12. I’m a big fan of 12 holes because you can do two sixes. Do one more and there you have your 18.”– he continued.

Faldo mentioned that the Open Championship originally had 12 holes and emphasized that it was an interesting piece of history. He expressed his desire to gain support from the R&A (the Royal and Ancient Golf Club), arguing that as the tournament started with 12 holes, they should consider promoting that format again. He believes this idea will gain popularity in the future.

LIV Golf and its ideas

LIV Golf has decided to make a similar change. Although they also use the 18-hole format, they work with a total of 54 holes, which amounts to three rounds of 18 holes. LIV Golf officials have stated that they are listening to the needs of fans and golfers and have chosen to implement innovations that draw attention not only to their tour, but to golf as a whole. Their intention is to speed up the game and make it more attractive.

The possibility of shortening the format to 12 holes is not excluded. This could provoke mixed reactions, especially from traditional golfers who would rather uphold the traditions of the sport than embrace innovations. The leaders of this Saudi-backed tour are aiming to attract a younger audience and do whatever it takes to get them to love golf, and the 12-hole format could be just a step in that direction.

It’s not just LIV Golf’s leaders who are considering these ideas; Many well-known figures from the sport also often express their support for such changes. For now, though, golf’s leaders don’t seem open to this concept.

Woods and Rory McIlroy have not commented publicly on the matter, but LIV golfer Jon Rahm, despite being part of the ‘innovative tour’, appears to be choosing tradition over innovation.

Jon Rahm and his vision

Jon Rahm shared his thoughts on LIV Golf, suggesting that if they were to adopt a 72-hole format it could strengthen their position in the ongoing discussions about the future of the sport. He believes that aligning LIV Golf more closely with traditional formats would further the conversation about unifying the tours and potentially create a global tour.

Rahm stated: “I don’t know if I’m alone in this, but I certainly wouldn’t mind going back to 72 holes,”