This is more than likely only applicable to us Yanks on the West side of the pond.....
...but with all the club models out there that include pools, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, etc. Is there room in there to include a softball field at a club? I'm sure there are many others who enjoy a good game of softball just as much as I do.
It would seem a softball field would make sense at the local club because:
1) It doesn't take much space relative to the golf course. It'd be about the size of a practice area.
2) The club already has equipment, manpower, and the know how to maintain it so it won't cost much extra to install/keep going.
3) Its gotta be far cheaper than a pool to maintain on an annual basis. No pump house, additional chemicals, lifeguards, etc.
4) It'd be a great place to hold a weekend game every now and then amongst the members, or for Monday night league games.
5) It'd be a good way to attract in some of the young members and the kiddies could use it during the off hours.
6) It only take 1.5 hours to play a game, it could be a later evening alternative to squeezing in an extra nine.
7) You only need 10 guys to field a team
Overall I think it'd be a great addition to a club without doing something expensive like a pool. As its a team sport it would help members bond with each other. Each club could have its own team and even inter-club tournies every now and then. I've always thought it would be one of the extras at the club worth having.
Thoughts?