Find out who the better golfer is with Father's day Pitch & Putt

Stanley Park Pitch & Putt

Kelsey Klassen

Share this story

Tweet

• A Father’s Day outing: Othello Tunnels inspire a manly “Whoa!”
• Department of WOW delivers Valentine's Day delights
• TRAVEL: Five Vancouver hotel specials and packages for Valentine's Day
• Greetings from Kitsafornia, the place to find your ride
• Finding vintage beauty in Gastown with Timeline Boutique
• Find your inner happiness at two upcoming seminars

 Increasingly sneaking its way into golf conversations is the charming game of Pitch & Putt, and it’s about time. As a co-founder of VAPPA (Vancouver Amateur Pitch & Putt Association) I’m somewhat biased, but the greatness of the game can’t be overstated.

Pitch & Putt, or par 3, is almost impossible to classify — it both is, and isn’t, golf. To play golf you need more than two clubs, you are expected to have proper shoes, and you don’t get 18 chances to have a spiritual experience (if you’ve never had a hole-in-one, I suggest you try it).

Pitch & Putt changed all that. It’s like starting a MarioKart race on the last lap, mid-star, with a lightning bolt in the chamber. You get access to the best parts of the game, straight goods, comfortably and cost effectively. I shot -5 at Stanley Park on Saturday wearing a tank top and flip flops, and I played for the price of a movie ticket.

But the appeal goes beyond saving money and being able to show up straight from the beach. This isn’t mini-golf, after-all. Pitch & Putt is for the wind-measuring, glove-wearing, dead f-ing serious as much as for those who have never played before. Golf is about spending time outside, challenging yourself, and enjoying legally purchased ice cold beverages discreetly with your friends; Pitch & Putt makes the experience inclusive. So go ahead and bring your significant other, who may not think he/she likes the game, without worrying you’ll hear Jason Segel in your head screaming “This is my nightmare!”

As we get closer to Father’s Day we’ll hear a lot about golf. The two are tied together like no other sport and holiday. If your old man plays the game, I’ll bet you a green fee the majority of his gifts over the years have included, or required, a sleeve of Titleists. This year, why not take dad to a local Pitch & Putt course? Vancouver has some of the finest, most accessible courses anywhere, and they’re waiting for you.

 Vancouver Pitch & Putt locations

 •Stanley Park Pitch & Putt

Stanley Park (near Beach Ave entrance)

Adult - $12.95, Seniors & Youth - $9.38

Open 7:30 am-dusk

 •Rupert Park Pitch & Putt

3402 Charles Street

Adult - $12.05, Senior & Youth - $8.53

Open 9:00 am - dusk

•Queen Elizabeth Park Pitch & Putt

Queen Elizabeth Park

Adult - $12.05, Senior & Youth - $8.53

Open 8:00 am - dusk

•University Golf Club

5185 University Blvd.

Free Pitch and Putt

Open 6 am - 9 pm daily (except Thursdays open at 10:30am)

By Desmond O'Brien