In a game increasingly obsessed with distance and power, par-3 courses offer a welcome change of pace – more accessible to families, children and the everyday golfer. And thanks to their growing popularity, these short courses are no longer just an afterthought.
Designers can let loose, experiment and add a little extra flair without worrying about 400-yard tee shots. And over the past decade, golf’s biggest names like Hanse, Nicklaus and Coore & Crenshaw have jumped on the par-3 bandwagon, turning these bite-sized courses into must-play experiences at resorts across North America.
So grab your wedges and your flatstick – we’re heading to the best short courses in North America.
Best Short Golf Courses You Must Play
1. Bandon Reserve at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Bandon, Oregon
Bandon Dunes’ slogan is ‘golf the way it was meant to be’. But in his short term, Bandon Reserveit should really be ‘golf for a good cause’. Opened nearly a decade ago, this Coore & Crenshaw design offers 13 holes of non-stop fun and the unparalleled Pacific Ocean views that Bandon is known for. But Bandon Preserve is not just a short course. Every cent of proceeds supports the Wild Rivers Coast Alliance, an organization dedicated to protecting the environment, community and economy of Oregon’s southern coast. So while you perfect your short game, you’ll also be helping to preserve one of the country’s most beautiful coastlines.
2. The Cradle of Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, North Carolina
Take off your shoes, open a cold shoe and turn up the music – we’re taking our next pick to the Sandhills of North Carolina. If a round at Pinehurst No. 2 has you questioning your life choices, don’t worry: You’re not alone. But there is a remedy: The cradle.
This nine-hole par-3, designed by the legendary Gil Hanse in 2017, is pure fun. In a resort steeped in history and tradition, The Cradle adds a playful twist, reminding golfers that sometimes the best rounds are the ones where you simply enjoy the game.
3. The sandbox in Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
This is a sandbox that is definitely not just for kids. Designed by Coore & Crenshaw in 2018, this 17-hole short course celebrates everything that makes central Wisconsin special. The rolling hills and sculpted mounds run through a restored sand prairie, creating one of the most distinctive backdrops you can find for a par-3 experience. True to its playful name, The Sandbox it’s all about fun – but don’t be fooled. The green complexes are no joke, with classics such as Biarritz, Double Plateau, Lion’s Mouth and Redan.
4. The Blackwolf Baths run to Kohler destination
Kohler, WI
Few par-3 courses dare to flirt with water. Even fewer dive in completely, with four water features. Welcome to The Baths of Blackwolf Runwhere the name pays tribute to Kohler Co.’s centuries-long legacy. in the field of excellent bath design.
This short 10-hole course, spread over 27 hectares, is not just a place to work on your wedge game. Designed with the same attention to detail that defines every Kohler experience, The Baths seamlessly combines challenge and charm. Strategic water hazards glitter next to perfectly shaped greens, providing plenty of opportunities for both birdies and splash landings.
5. The hay at Pebble Beach Resorts
Pebble Beach, California
The hay is a nine-hole short course redesigned by none other than Tiger Woods, but its roots go back to 1957, when former head professional Peter Hay first reimagined what a short course could be. Today, that spirit of innovation lives on. The Hay combines playful fun with the prestige of Pebble Beach, featuring a replica of the iconic 7th hole and a massive 20,000-square-foot putting course
6. The nest in Cabot Cape Breton
Nova Scotia, Canada
High above the Atlantic Ocean, on the towering cliffs of Cape Breton, The nest is located in one of golf’s most breathtaking settings. Located at the highest point of the resort, the 10-hole par-3 course combines dramatic ocean views with a design that is as exciting as the backdrop. Created by Rod Whitman and Dave Axland, The Nest channels the pure essence of links golf: firm grass, creative shotmaking and an ever-present ocean breeze that keeps things interesting. It is short course golf at a higher level, literally and figuratively.
7. The Staple Golf Course at the PGA National Resort
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Named after its creator, architect Andy Staple, The staple delivers nine holes of pure par-3 fun with its own personality. Each hole stretches from 60 to 130 yards and has its own twist, including a hole that starts directly in a bunker! Short, playful and full of surprises, The Staple proves that a small course can contain a lot of character.
8. Little Sandy at the Omni Amelia Island Resort
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Little Sandy Omni Amelia Island Resort is all about camaraderie and enjoying the scenery. This short 10-hole course winds around Red Maple Lake, with holes ranging from 70 to 125 yards, making it perfect for golfers of all ages and abilities. While the layout stays true to the classic short-course feel, amenities aren’t skimped on: an expansive 18-hole putting green ensures the training (and friendly competition) continues long after your round.
9. Horse riding course at The Prairie Club
Valentine, Nebraska
Designed by Gil Hanse and Geoff Shackelford, the Horse Course was named one of Golf Digest’s “10 Most Fun Courses to Play” in 2013, and it’s easy to see why. Inspired by the classic HORSE game, this course throws tradition aside: there are no tee boxes. Instead, the winner of each hole gets to choose the next tee, keeping each round fresh, unpredictable and great fun.
10. Top of the Rock Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, MO
Top of the Rock Golf Coursedesigned by Jack Nicklaus, it has the distinction of being the first par-3 course to ever be part of a professional championship: the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf. Set amid the beautiful Ozarks, the course celebrates the region’s natural beauty with waterfalls, winding streams and scenic vistas at every turn.
11. Threetops at Treetops Resort
Gaylord, Michigan
From the dramatic elevation changes to the tricky, undulating greens, Three-tops offers a challenge like no other. You may recognize him as host of ESPN’s Par-3 Shootout for eight years in a row, a testament to his striking design. Widely regarded as one of the best short courses in the country, Threetops proves that a par-3 round can be just as exciting as a full 18 course.
12. QuickSands at Gamble Sands
Brewster, Washington
Since opening in 2021, Quick sand has given golfers another reason to make the pilgrimage to Gamble Sands. This short 14-hole course extends over 25 hectares of beautiful grounds, with holes ranging from 60 to 160 metres. Each green is a work of art, meticulously crafted and playfully named for its shape – think Crater, Donut and Boomerang.
13. The Par-3 course at Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, Georgia
Last, but certainly not least, is perhaps golf’s most iconic short course: the par-3 course at Augusta National. Played annually during the Masters Par-3 Contest, this nine-hole gem has become one of golf’s most cherished traditions. It winds around two serene ponds and offers plenty of birdie opportunities – and the always tempting chance for a hole-in-one.
And when it comes to getting to these best short golf courses, don’t let the airport slow you down. ShipSticks lets you send your golf clubs and luggage home ahead of time and at the end of your trip, so you can skip the baggage claim and all the other airport headaches.
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