Ernie Banks is famous for saying "Let's play two" in baseball. Jack Nicklaus has a different number in mind, 12. As in a 12-hole round of golf.

Nicklaus says the length of time it takes to play an 18-hole round is alienating many golfers, particularly youngsters who are used to playing most athletic contests in 2-3 hours.

"The kids are all playing soccer or lacrosse or basketball," Nicklaus told the Tennessean while in the Nashville area for the charity tournament of country star Vince Gill.

Nicklaus said he has had 12-hole scorecards made up at his Muirfield and Bear's Club courses and, "My seniors are loving it."

"It's the health of the game, the growth of the game, keeping people in the game, that I'm interested in," Nicklaus said.