Golf at Its Core: Butler Pitch and Putt
In the United States, you're either at the Muni or you're at the Country Club - where's the in between?
Golf can be a challenging sport to get into due to several factors: time, money, access, and the difficulty of mastering the game. For many aspiring golfers, the idea of facing a 400-yard hole on the first tee, surrounded by onlookers, is a daunting hurdle that deters them from even trying. This is what makes places like Butler Pitch and Putt so unique and crucial to the golfing ecosystem.
An Austin Gem Since 1949
The land that Butler Pitch and Putt stands on was initially used for mining clay. When the mining company, Butler Brick, shut down in the late 1940s, Douglas and Winston Kinser, two local Austinites, purchased the land in 1948 with the dream of converting it into usable green space for the citizens of Austin.
The result? A 9-hole, par-3 golf course featuring a large practice putting green and a welcoming courtyard area. Despite Austin's population boom over the last two decades, one constant has remained: Butler Pitch and Putt.
It's Just a Different Vibe
"In the United States, you're either at the Muni or you're at the Country Club - where's the in-between?" explained Nick Pateman, Head of Golf Operations at Butler Pitch and Putt.
Pateman, a British PGA Professional and former European mini tour competitor, notes that his job at Butler is "the most fun job in golf, period." This largely stems from the fact that in his three years at the Pitch and Putt, he's introduced more beginners to the game than at any other facility he's worked at.
"When you learn to swim, you start in the shallow end and work your way into the deep end," Pateman noted. "In the UK, most of our municipal courses have Par 3 golf courses, and that's where people learn. Butler is a softer entry point to golf - it's a lot more laid-back and welcoming for beginners."
A Place Made for EVERYONE
When you walk into the courtyard area of Butler, you'll find people picking up a golf club for the first time, locals walking their dogs, and groups hanging out with a drink and a burger from the popular "Gimme Burger" truck.
But you'll also spot experienced and talented golfers seeking a competitive game or practicing their short game. With holes ranging from 60 to 110 yards, the blend of holes at Butler is perfect for players of all skill levels.
"We have the smallest country club greens you may ever play," Pateman proclaimed. "They're quick, they're slopey – it's going to take you a few rounds to know where to hit it."
Butler's Connection to GOLF+
Here at GOLF+, we are thrilled to share Butler Pitch and Putt with the world for many reasons. The GOLF+ Headquarters is just a 10-minute drive from Butler, and our team members frequent it on a weekly (sometimes daily) basis. We participate in a weekly "Business League" on Wednesday nights, and for GOLF+ Founder and CEO, Ryan Engle, it's the site of his (only) two career holes-in-one!
"I hope our players recognize the little details that went into this," said Rob Holzhauer, GOLF+ co-Founder and VP of Player Experience. "Take it for what it is, and it's just a little gem."
Butler Pitch and Putt is now live on GOLF+ and can be purchased for $3.99. GOLF+ PASS subscribers can access Butler, along with the rest of the course library, as part of their subscription.
