Research shows that informal gathering spots where people can engage in activities outside of their usual routines play a crucial role in bolstering social connections, community cohesion, and a sense of well-being—key to building and maintaining strong, vibrant communities. They create bridges between different cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, which fosters new friendships, encourages collective action and exposes people to new ideas and opportunities. An increasingly digital world and Covid-19 closures are among the factors that are diminishing the availability of these important gathering places nationwide. Municipal golf courses, which occupy large swathes of public, communal space in cities across the country, can help fill this critical community need.