A new mini-putt course and short game practice facility officially opened at Columbus Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 attended by city officials, community members and golf leaders.
The 9-hole artificial turf mini-putt course, designed for players of all ages and skill levels, is free and open to the public. This facility aims to make golf more accessible while offering a fun and engaging recreational space for families and individuals alike. The project reflects a significant investment in the park’s amenities.
Matthew McIntee, senior vice president of Troon — the company that funded the $450,000 mini-putt course emphasized the significance of the new Columbus Park facility in providing accessible, high-quality golf opportunities and fostering community engagement.
Troon, which oversees golf facilities and programs for the Chicago Park District, funded the $450,000 project as part of a $9 million commitment to upgrade park district golf facilities citywide.
McIntee plans to keep working on the West Side, using the new platform he has built to expand community projects, gather feedback and shape future efforts.
“The community turned out in force. The park district was there. The kids were there. There was a lot of happiness, excitement and laughter. We did activities with the kids. One of the best parts was Roger Steele, who grew up on the West Side, taking a group of kids out putting right after the ribbon cutting. Some of the kids also helped with the ribbon cutting,” McIntee said.
McIntee described the new mini-putt course as a unique and engaging experience.
“I’ve been in the golf business for 40 years, and I felt that Columbus Park really needed an upgrade. Over the past four years, I’ve worked with community leaders, pastors, the park supervisor, and pretty much everyone in the area. It became clear that what people really wanted was a space for kids and adults that was fun where they could learn, practice, and enjoy the game,” McIntee said.
Covering just under 17,000 square feet, the facility is divided into three distinct areas: a state-of-the-art mini golf course that balances fun and challenge for beginners and seasoned players alike; a large putting green designed for skill development and clinics; and a short game pitching area featuring a bunker and tee line for chipping, putting, and pitching practice.
According to McIntee, the entire space is thoughtfully landscaped to create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to everyone, from kids looking for fun, to parents bringing their families, to serious golfers seeking practice.
“There are two beautiful, landscaped entrances that lead directly into the facility, where you can go straight to the mini golf area. You go on the southern entrance and will take you into the putting green. Then you have this beautiful walk through with river rocks and landscaping. Then on the western side, you have this state-of-the-art short game area,” McIntee said.
One key priority, McIntee said is ensuring the facility remains free to remove any barriers to access. He also noted that efforts will focus on promoting the course widely and managing scheduling to guarantee users feel safe and have ample opportunity to enjoy the space, which will be secured with a protective fence.
“There’s no barrier to entry at all. The key is to promote it to schools, principals, pastors, and local community groups, emphasizing that it’s free and accessible to everyone,” McIntee said.
McIntee anticipated the space would get busy and recognized a learning curve in managing the flow of people. His goal is to keep access simple, ensuring visitors can easily tell when the clinic is available and adjust their plans accordingly. The emphasis remains on keeping the facility open and barrier free for anyone who wants to use it.
“To me, having this available on the West Side, where historically there haven’t been amenities like this, at least in terms of golf, bodes really well for the kids in the neighborhood. Most importantly, it encourages the community to generate ideas on how to use this resource to continue building their neighborhood,” McIntee said.