Sir Nick Faldo has never shied away from sharing his opinions on where the game is headed, often calling for significant changes to modern golf.
Sir Nick Faldo has never been shy about sharing strong views on how golf should evolve, and his latest long-standing proposal could have far-reaching consequences — particularly for amateur players.
While Faldo’s competitive career established him as one of the greatest golfers of all time, his influence has arguably grown since stepping away from tournament play. Through broadcasting and course design, the Englishman has become one of the most vocal advocates for reform, arguing that the modern game has become too easy and too time-consuming.
Why Nick Faldo wants to move away from 18-hole courses
Faldo has spent years urging golf’s governing bodies and developers to reconsider the automatic insistence on 18-hole layouts. Speaking previously to The PGA, he explained that space, time and lifestyle constraints make traditional championship-length courses increasingly impractical for everyday golfers.
According to Faldo, many resorts and clubs simply do not have the land required to build a true championship course, yet continue to force the 18-hole model. He believes shorter formats — particularly 12-hole courses — offer a more realistic alternative, allowing players to enjoy the game without committing five or six hours away from family and work.
Faldo also points to history to support his case, noting that The Open Championship itself was originally contested over 12 holes. He has been lobbying the R&A to acknowledge that precedent and actively promote alternative formats, arguing that flexibility could help combat slow play and declining participation. Support for the idea is not limited to Faldo, either, with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player also publicly backing the concept.
How 12-hole golf could transform the amateur experience
While professional golf is expected to remain firmly rooted in 18-hole tournaments, Faldo sees huge potential for shorter courses at the amateur level. He believes 12-hole layouts could make the sport more accessible, easier to fit into modern schedules and more appealing to new players.
One existing example often cited is Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club on Scotland’s Isle of Arran, widely regarded as the finest 12-hole course in the world. Measuring just under 3,000 yards, the course features a quirky mix of par threes, par fours and a single par five, along with dramatic scenery and numerous blind shots that prioritise creativity over power.
With influential figures continuing to champion the idea, Faldo believes the shift toward shorter courses is inevitable. If adopted more widely, his vision could mark one of the most significant changes to the amateur game in generations — even if the professional circuit remains untouched.
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