Just read this great story about a redesign of a Tillinghast course in Virginia and conversion to a 12 holer with a 6 hole part 3 short course and expanded practice area. I pitched a similar idea last year for Rackham (https://refuge.nolayingup.com/t/trap-draw-detroit/30483/45). I think this would be awesome, and probably produce a bunch of money for the city since there’s more revenue streams (par 3 course plus driving range/practice areas, the latter of which is a good profit center for golf courses).
Keep the original Ross back 9, renovate the holes on the front to get to 12-14 total, and use the extra space for a pitch and putt, driving range, short game practice, and even add in a bigger retail component including club fitting. Use the profits to get Chandler and Rouge park in better shape, and maybe even reopen Palmer.
Geoff Shackelford
How this major championship host became a 12-hole model for golf’s future (Golf.com)