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Short golf courses have enjoyed a bit of resurgence in recent years thanks to top resorts like Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes adding them to their offerings. But short golf has been around for a very long time in both remote and urban areas. They are one of the best ways to introduce new golfers to the game or allow time-strapped experienced golfers to get in some practice.
Hundreds of short courses are reviewed each year on Golf Advisor, whether they are standalone courses or relief courses adjacent to championship layouts. So for 2019, we decided to create our very first list specifically for short courses, using a similar methodology to our main, Top 50 U.S. courses list. Our definition of a "Short course" is any course that is less than a par 70 or 6,000 yards. This means everything from par-3 courses to regulation-length 9-hole courses to 18-hole executive courses are eligible as long as they are publicly accessible. These are both standalone facilities and complementary courses to championship layouts. Regulation golf courses with express or beginner tees are not eligible.
We've included a review quote for each course, and you'll see several of these players are new to the game and these facilities have served as excellent welcoming points to the game we all love.
Don't just review the big courses you play. These short courses are especially important and worth your review as well. Want to get involved? Click here to review a golf course, whether it’s your first or your 100th.
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The Links at Terranea
Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 27
What they're saying: "This is an amazing course to hone your short game ... Very fast nine, finished in an hour and 35 minutes. Great walking course for exercise with unbelievable views." - carliesdadMore short course content3 Min ReadJune 1, 2015Short golf courses aren't necessarily easy - or short, for that matter! Here are six courses that seem small but provide big tests of anyone's game.![Tim Gavrich]()
![Sweetens Cove & the Course at Sewanee]()
5 Min ReadSeptember 26, 2017Nine-hole golf courses are an oft-overlooked genre. There are a number of them that are well worth playing; here are a few we wanted to highlight.![Tim Gavrich]()
3 Min ReadOctober 20, 2016For #JrGolfWeek, we looked at your reviews to find the top-rated courses in the U.S. under 5,500 yards.![]()
3 Min ReadJune 12, 2013A good par-3 course can counter several of the most common complaints about golf -- it takes too long to play, is too expensive and too difficult. The truth is, however, most par-3 courses aren't worth the trip for the traveling golfer. That may be starting to change, though. Mike Bailey spotlights some of the very best par-3 courses (open to the public) in the country.![Bailey_headshot (1).JPG]()
7 Min ReadOctober 17, 2016These top golf resorts in the U.S. may have championship layouts but also shorter, fun courses for juniors and beginning golfers.![]()
![Forest Dunes adds short course]()
7 Min ReadJune 5, 2019Keith Rhebb, Riley Johns tapped for latest addition to Michigan destination![Ginella Headshot New]()
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Sugar Mountain Golf Club
Banner Elk, N.C. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 64
What they're saying: "This is an executive course, but very challenging. The scenery is beautiful and the staff is friendly. It was a plus on our vacation." - Debbiecanter -
Heritage of Hawk Ridge
Lake St. Louis, Mo. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 27
What they're saying: "This is one of the nicest par 3’s you will play. It is very challenging also. From the white tees, the average yardage on the holes is 150 yards. The sand traps were perfect. Water comes into play on holes 6,7 & 8." - lcbgolf -
Falcon Valley Golf Course
Lenexa, Kan. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 36
What they're saying: "The design and layout, the conditioning, the staff all make it exceptional. Not hip at all, just really good golf. And quick." - zappalives -
Northwood Golf Club
Monte Rio, Calif. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 36
What they're saying: "Northwood is a magical place. The redwoods obviously are the distinguishing characteristic but the layout itself is fun and challenging." - Gremlingolfer, Local Golf Advisor -
Winter Park Golf Course
Orlando, Fla. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 35
What they're saying: "WP9 is the perfect 9-hole course in my opinion ... The course is always in good shape, and even when it is busy the pace moves along well. The staff are friendly and accommodating." - atkiger8 -
Palm Beach Par 3
Palm Beach, Fla. | Read reviews
18 holes, Par 54
What they're saying: "I take all of my guests here and they love it. Quick pace. I've always finished in less than 2.5 hrs. Everyone is friendly." - Trooperpg -
Buffer Park Golf Course
Indianapolis, Ind. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 36
What they're saying: "It is the best 9 hole course I have ever played, and rumor has it to be one of the best 9 hole courses in the country. The layout is a perfect mix of challenging and good opportunities to make birdie." - HoosierHacker89, Local Golf Advisor -
Ashwood Golf Club
Apple Valley, Calif. | Read reviews
27 holes, par 32-33-32
What they're saying: "I have introduced several friends to golf at this course. I usually bring my daughter because she enjoys all of the animals and the beautiful course. The staff is always friendly, the other golfers are always nice and courteous." - JeremyMenge -
Shadow Hills North Par-3 Course
Indio, Calif. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 57
What they're saying: "This is a great course & is very beautiful. Even though it is a par 3-try it-you’ll enjoy it. A fun, quick 18 holes with lots of sand & water." - Sandy2488725Newsletter Sign Up - Subscribe Today!Sign up for the best golf travel news, tips and offers delivered directly to your inbox, for FREE! -
Ben Brown's Golf Course at the Ranch at Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, Calif. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 32
What they're saying: "My son an I had an enjoyable time golfing. I have been playing here for over 50 years and it was his first time. I talked about other family members who played here and we both laughed our way through the beautiful canyon setting." - John8079976 -
Winding Hills Golf Club
Montgomery, N.Y. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 57
What they're saying: " I started playing golf last year and since I’ve started I’ve been to over 15 golf courses in 3 different states and played over 60 rounds of golf. This course exceeds many of the bigger courses in every aspect." - Mbeebz123 -
Kings Way Golf Club
Yarmouth Port, Mass. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 60
What they're saying: "! We really enjoyed the idyllic setting and the course layout. Expect to take a driver for a couple of the par threes if you are handicap 21 like myself!" - charlesstuart -
Village Links Golf Club
Plymouth, Mass. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 54
What they're saying: " This course was in great shape and fun to play. Just hilly enough to get some decent exercise." - parthur -
Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park West
Jersey City, N.J. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 36
What they're saying: "I first played Skyway a couple years back having discovered there was a public 9 hole course a short Uber ride away. So glad I tried it because it’s a challenging course, with excellent views, great upkeep, and helpful, friendly staff." - ianmariano -
The Course at Sewanee
Sewanee, Tenn. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 36
What they're saying: "Absolutely love it - heathland feel, with the occasional infinity edge mountain look. Great job by Gil hanse making this simple routing completely compelling." - BradleyKlein -
Boca Delray Golf Club
Delray Beach, Fla. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 60
What they're saying: "It’s a short Executive golf course but very challenging. Bring your “A” game or lots of balls. There is water to go over on the majority of the holes. Fun course to play." - Pitakid -
Squirrel Run Golf & Country Club
Plymouth, Mass. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 57
What they're saying: "As a senior have only been playing golf two years and really enjoy golfing here. Yardage is perfect for my type of golfing. I always look forward to coming to this course, staff always friendly and grounds well maintained." - bobfundir -
Williams Creek Golf Course
Knoxville, Tenn. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 54
What they're saying: "Tremendous course to work on your short game! Greens are extremely fast and undulating. If you are looking for a country club setting this is not the place. University of Tennessee golfers use the course a lot. A four some can easily play 2:20 to 3:00 hrs." - huffaker -
Palm Royale Country Club
La Quinta, Calif. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 54
What they're saying: "Probably the nicest par 3 course I have ever played. Grounds were in fantastic shape and really friendly staff and course workers. Will definitely golf there again." - Trooperpg -
Red at Tunxis Country Club
Farmington, Conn. | Read reviews
9 holes, par 35
What they're saying: "I love this place! I’m new to the game as of this year, have played as many different courses as I can, and find this place to be top notch. Very well maintained and the people make it better." - JosephBev1 -
St. Mark Executive Course
San Marcos, Calif. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 58
What they're saying: "To add to the great layout, the greens, fairways and tee boxes are in maybe the best shape in the 30 years I’ve been playing this fun executive course." - jkrebs1234 -
Sweetens Cove
South Pittsburg, Tenn. | Read reviews
What they're saying: "The rollicking green sites and swales can funnel a ball just as quickly away from pins as it does toward them [and] offers a feast or famine scorecard." - BrandonWebb, Local Golf Advisor -
Maple Leaf Golf & Country Club
Port Charlotte, Fla. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 62
What they're saying: "This is a nice little executive course plays 62, and there were a lot of holes just low or mid-iron in distance. But there were some par 4s that was pretty challenging, because of the tucked tee positions." - huffaker -
Mountain Shadows Golf Club
Paradise Valley, Ariz. | Read reviews
18 holes, par 54
What they're saying: "Mountain shadows is a par three course tucked near the base of camelback mountain ... The greens are well maintained and challenging. The four person golf carts are great for a friendly round. It’s also walkable with good push carts available." - vhynes
