AUSTIN — West Siders can practice their short game at a new mini-golf course in Austin.
The golf course opened Wednesday at Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. The public nine-hole course is free to play and features artificial turf and practice facilities with a chipping green, putting green and practice bunker.
In a statement Wednesday, Matthew McIntee, senior vice president of Troon Chicago, which manages the Park District’s golf facilities and programs, described the project as bringing “opportunity, recreation and pride to a community that has long deserved first-class facilities.”
“It’s a place where young people can learn the game, patrons can refine their golf skills and where families can gather,” McIntee said. “Not only will it enhance golf in the city and on the West Side, but it will also grow the game and hopefully produce champions on the West Side for generations to come.”
The new 9-hole mini-golf course at Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. in Austin on August 6. Credit: Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago
The new 9-hole mini-golf course at Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. in Austin on August 6. Credit: Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago
Troon funded the $450,000 complex as part of its commitment to invest $9 million in capital improvements across Chicago golf facilities, according to the Park District.
Park District leaders said that more than 215,000 people played golf at Chicago parks last year.
James Baker, who lives near Columbus Park, said he has tried to golf every day at Columbus Park’s regular golf course for five years. He said he walks around 3 miles during his morning golf — and his golf routine is more than just exercise, as it gives him a chance to socialize with friends while watching the sun rise.
Though Baker often sticks to conventional golf, he said he looks forward to the mini-golf course offering a quicker means for him to work on his putt game on his lunch break or when he’s passing by the park.
“The serenity of playing golf is that you can’t concentrate on anything else but getting that ball in the hole,” said Baker, who also said he appreciates the capital improvements and hopes future investments will include irrigation improvements at the park.
The Park District’s golf facilities include five other nine-hole courses, one 18-hole course and an indoor simulator. Troon also facilitates youth camps, a youth caddy program and summer jobs available at Columbus Park and citywide. For more information, visit cpdgolf.com
City leaders participate in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the new 9-hole mini-golf course at Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. in Austin on August 6. Credit: Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago
Putting clubs at the 9-hole mini-golf course at Columbus Park, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. in Austin on August 6. Credit: Michael Liptrot/Block Club Chicago
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