Pitch and putt

Pitch and putt is an amateur sport very similar to, and derived from, golf, where the hole length is typically up to 90 metres (100 yd)[1] and just 2-3 clubs are typically used. Invented in Ireland in 1929, and developed through the 1940s, it is now played in dozens of countries and has two world governing bodies.

The "par 2" or pitch and putt course in Shibden Hall, England

Game play

For international competitions:

  • the maximum hole length is 90 metres (100 yd);
  • the maximum total course length of 1,200 metres (1,310 yd);
  • players may only use three clubs, one of which must be a putter.

The game is played from raised artificial teeing surfaces using a tee and it has its own handicap system.[2]

Each country can devise its own rules, and there is interaction with some golfing authorities but the sport operates autonomously.

Comparison with golf
 GolfPitch and Putt
Number of holes per round1818
Combined length of 18 holes6,000 to 7,500 metres (6,560 to 8,200 yd)1,200 metres (1,310 yd) max
Maximum distance to hole (from tee)n/a90 metres (100 yd)
Total par in a round (typical)7254
Type of shotsDriving, pitching/chipping and puttingPitching/chipping and putting
ClubsComplete setMaximum of three clubs which must include a putter
Approximate time per course4–5 hours1–1.5 hours
Land required for developing 18-hole course100 to 150 acres (40 to 61 ha) for championship course12 to 15 acres (4.9 to 6.1 ha; 0.019 to 0.023 sq mi) for championship course

Apart from the above differences, rules and regulations of the games are similar.

International associations
Pitch and Putt on Bruntsfield links; UK
See also: List of pitch and putt national associations

The game was developed mainly in Ireland since the 1940s but is today a growing sport all over the world. It is organized internationally by the European Pitch and Putt Association since 1999, by the International Pitch and Putt Federation since 2006 and by the International Pitch and Putt Associations since 2009. In all cases pitch and putt has its own handicap system and applies the rules of FIPPA/IPPA with exceptions that are specifically approved in each country.

The European Pitch and Putt Association (EPPA) was founded at a meeting in Dublin in 1999 by representatives from Ireland, Great Britain, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Italy.[3] Later, Norway, Switzerland, San Marino, Denmark, Andorra and Germany joined the EPPA. The European Pitch and Putt Association stages a biennial European Team Championship.

The Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations was created in March 2006 in a meeting in Barcelona by representatives of 17 pitch and putt associations. FIPPA members are Ireland, Spain, Norway, Great Britain, Switzerland, Australia, Chile, Andorra, and the United States. Canada, China, and Germany are associated members. The Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations stages a biennial Pitch and Putt World Cup and, since 2009, FIPPA the Pitch and putt World Strokeplay Championship.

In 2009, France, Italy, San Marino, and Denmark left FIPPA and EPPA and founded the International Pitch and Putt Association (IPPA)[4] along with Spain and Portugal.

References
  1. FIPPA Rules 2014
  2. "Pitch and putt rules". European Pitch and Putt Association. Archived from the original on 2013-10-27.
  3. "History of EPPA". EPPA. Archived from the original on 2011-07-23.
  4. FIPPA. "FIPPA Revamped". Archived from the original on 2009-06-01.
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