Pitch & Putt, the best way to start

If there is something that unites us, it is the love and passion for playing golf. The same is what a group of Irish people felt during the first half of the 20th century, which led them to create the Pitch & Putt and which today is considered a kind of popular sport available to anyone. The reason? Its short distances, a reduced playing time of between two and three hours, the affordability of its prices and the need not be in possession of a sports license for its practice.

In fact, when we talk about Pitch & Putt, our Irish friends practice it differently than golf. In Spain, however, the rules are the same as those established in the long field. But if we focus on our territory, it should be noted that Catalonia has its own handicap regulations and system governed by the Catalan Federation of Pitch & Putt (FCPP).

With all this, the FCPP determines that the maximum distance per hole is 120m and 1,600m per 18-hole course in local competition, while in international competitions this is reduced to 90 and 1,200 meters respectively. The objective of the game, therefore, is to complete the course with the fewest strokes until the ball is placed in each of the holes. Each hole can be completed with three strokes, bringing the number of strokes per total course to 54. The latter will determine what the game ends over or under par. Likewise, depending on the number of strokes made in each hole, the player can achieve a par, birdie or hole in one score.

Given the characteristics of this practice, for many Pitch & Putt becomes the best way to start in the world of golf. And not only due to the fact that they do not need a license, which allows the player to start as a test and test if they really like the sport or not; but also for the price and duration of the game, a factor that makes it a more enjoyable and dynamic sport. Also, in this modality the short game is practiced, which is even of great importance in long-field games. This implies that the beginning player can start in Pitch & Putt and, as he improves his technique and the length of his swing, he can become a great long player over time.